Edith Byrnes, 61 of Brook St., Ilion, passed away on Tuesday morning, July 1, 2008 at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Utica.
 She was born on December 20, 1946 in Cooperstown, daughter of the late Charles and Dorothy Byrnes.  She was last employed with Herkimer Industries and was of the Methodist faith.  Edith lived in Ilion and Herkimer for several years.
Edith was gifted with a kind and understanding heart and a wonderful sense of humor.  She welcomed people into her life and always respected and valued the responsibilities of friendship.  Edith loved to help people and always did so with a smile on her  face.  Before she became ill she enjoyed attending BOCES adult education class which she attended twice a week.  In her spare time she found pleasure in shopping, going to dinner and the annual family Byrnes reunions at the Otesaga in Cooperstown.  She also  loved taking care of animals. 
Survivors include two aunts: Elaine More and Katherine Hamor, both of Cooperstown; and her close friends: Melissa Tripolone, Lori Rando, Adrianne Hunt, Sue Streeter and all of her wonderful friends at the HARC, including staff and consumers.  She was predeceased  by a brother James A. Byrnes and by a sister Evelyn M. Byrnes.
Edith’s funeral will commence at 11 am on Thursday, July 10, 2008 from the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer and at 11:30 am in the First United Methodist Church, Prospect St., Herkimer with the Rev. Wrightson Tongue, pastor officiating.   Procession will follow to Hartwick Seminary Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest.  Relatives and friends may attend visitation at the funeral home from 9-11 am on Thursday morning, prior to the service.  Kindly consider memorial offerings to HARC, Life  Is Beautiful Campaign; envelopes can be obtained at the funeral parlor.  To offer an online note of condolence to the family please go to Edith’s online memorial located at www.eneafamily.com.  Those that may need a ride to the services, please call the Enea family at 866-1011.