Helen H. Byrnes

Helen H. Byrnes of North Syracuse passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and grandchildren on Monday, July 6, 2026 at the age of 99. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late James and Isabelle Harkins. Helen graduated as Salutatorian from St. Vincent De Paul High School and attended the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York She began her career at the Prosperity Company and was employed for 7 years before resigning to raise her growing family. Helen resumed her working career and was employed at Cicero High School in the North Syracuse Central School District for 37 years. She loved her time at CNS with her beloved fellow co-workers and often said “there was never a day she didn’t enjoy going to work”. Upon her retirement, Helen enjoyed volunteering as Vice President of Designcrete of America Inc., until the age of 94. Helen understood the benefits of being active before it was popular and continued her exercise routine daily until the end. She enjoyed riding her bike, swimming, and walking. Helen genuinely and deeply enjoyed being around family and friends. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed and frequently hosted gatherings at her summer home on Oneida Lake. Helen embraced every opportunity to celebrate life. Favorite traditions were celebrating the many birthdays, graduations, weddings and sacraments. Her kindness, generosity and genuine happiness touched everyone fortunate to know her. Helen was a life long communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church, North Syracuse. She was an active member of the Bishop Curley Columbiettes and the Rosary Altar Society. Above all else, Helen treasured her Catholic faith and was a frequent attendee at daily mass. Predeceased by her husband of 30 years, Robert G. Byrnes, sisters Margaret Relihan, Catherine McCabe, Joan Harkins, brothers James Harkins and Michael Harkins. Helen is survived by her children, James R. Byrnes, Mary (Mark) Byrnes Worden, Ellen I. Byrnes, Robert G. Byrnes and Michael J. Byrnes; grandchildren Sarah B. Worden and Matthew C. Worden. She is also survived by sister-in-laws, Carolyn Connors, Roberta Harkins and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, at Fergerson Funeral Home, 215 South Main Street, North Syracuse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, July 16th at 10 am at St. Rose of Lima Church, North Syracuse, followed by burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt. Donations in lieu of flowers, may be made to Saint Rose of Lima School, 407 South Main Street, North Syracuse 13212.

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Helen H. Byrnes

July 6, 2026