Joann Helen (Hayes) Byrne, "Nana Jo", born in Philadelphia PA in 1944, entered Heaven on May 21, 2024 after a period of declining health, with her family at her bedside, at the age of 79.

Nana will be sorely missed by her children Lisa Byrne (Marc), Kevin Byrne, Betsy Ward (Chris) and Joanna Ventola (Rick); grandchildren Meaghan Ward, Joseph Ward, and Michael Ward, Maxwell Abboud, Eve Abboud, Jack Ventola, Andrew Ventola, Anna Ventola and Brendan Byrne. Joann will be happily received in Heaven by her sisters Helen, Marie, and Emily, parents Helen and Joseph, and son John, who passed shortly after birth.

Joann was a dedicated mother and, at times, a mama bear when protection was needed.  She was always carting the Byrne clan around at all hours, even at 4:30 a.m. to swim practice.

Joann loved the beach, snowstorms, going out to dinner, travel, family and Christmas.  She had many adventures accompanied with misadventures - while in Austria she was hit by a car, no bad injuries, while in Italy she was pickpocketed and had no money left, and in Ireland was involved in a car accident.  She was a stellar gift wrapper.  She wrapped Christmas presents so beautifully you always thought you were getting a very fancy gift but much to our surprise we would get a butt face towel.  We dubbed the week before Christmas "butt face week."

Another passion of hers was watching TV, oh boy, if you called in the middle of a movie she had most likely watched at least 20 times, she'd rush you off the phone with an excuse "I have to go to the bathroom" or "I need to take my pills", we all knew she was probably watching the Hallmark channel.  As she took her last breath in the hospital, the cable went out. We all took this as a sign she went to heaven and took the cable with her.

Mom, we love you so much! Have fun and party with your family and friends, until we meet again.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in St Ann by the Sea Parish Church, 591 Ocean Street in Marshfield, followed by a celebration of life reception to be held at the Venus II, 277 Ocean Street in Marshfield.

For online guest book, driving directions and other helpful information please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com