Gladys Byrne

Gladys Eveline Byrne, 77, of New Glasgow (formerly of Trenton) passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the Aberdeen Hospital. 

Gladys was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and was the second eldest daughter to the late George and Agnes Connor. Gladys met Donnie Byrne, a handsome young man from Nova Scotia, in 1966 and married him the following year. They moved to Pictou County in 1971 and eventually settled in Trenton where they raised their 3 children. She remained a resident of Trenton for 40 years and was actively involved in the community. She was a member of the Legion as well as a town councillor. Gladys enjoyed friendly competition. She played baseball and darts and would never turn down a good game of cards. 

Gladys was not afraid of a hard day’s work. She worked as a book binder and seamstress in her early years followed by lengthy careers at both Michelin and Glen Haven Manor. She also worked at the Salvation Army before settling into retirement. Gladys was happiest with a house full of kids. She and Donnie welcomed many generations of kids into their home over the years. She always wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of, whether it was nieces or nephews, or friends of her children or grandchildren. In fact, right up until her recent illness she was content to hear the comings and goings of Nolan and "the boys" in her basement on Washington Street and loved when they would pop upstairs to chat with her. 

Gladys is survived by her sons: Gordon Byrne, Saint-Calixte, QC; and DJ (Adele) Byrne, New Glasgow; daughter, Denise Byrne, Westville; grandsons: Nolan Byrne and Brycen Byrne; granddaughter, Asha Byrne; sisters: Georgina Marshall, Oshawa, Ontario; Elaine (Kevin) Hutchinson, Peterborough, Ontario; many nieces, and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Donald Byrne; brother, Gordon Connor; sisters, Joan Aitken and Frances Gardiner.

The family would like to thank the staff of the 3rd Floor Stroke Unit at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, along with the staff of the ICU and 4th floor of the Aberdeen Hospital for the exemplary care provided to Gladys over the last several weeks. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society.

No service by request; however, you can honour Gladys by lending a helping hand to someone in need. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home.