Isabelle Teresa Byrne was born January 28, 1921 in De Graff, Minnesota, the daughter of William and Adeline (Brooks) Dineen. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at St. Bridgets Catholic Church in DeGraff. She grew up in Kildare Township of Swift County and attended grade school at District #24. She graduated from Benson High School with the Class of 1939. Isabelle went on to St. John's Hospital in Fargo to attain her RN Degree. During World War II, she served her country as 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps. After her discharge, she worked with polio patients at Fort Snelling and in Louisiana. On September 1, 1948 Isabelle was united in marriage to John Patrick Byrne by Fr. Albert Byrne at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson. They were blessed with five children and more than 56 years of marriage. Besides taking care of the home, and raising the children, Isabelle worked at Dr. Eberley's office in Benson. She worked in special duty nursing. Among the things she enjoyed were gardening, bird watching, orchids, Twins baseball and fishing. Isabelle was called from this life on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at her residence. She attained the age of 88 years, 8 months and 29 days. Isabelle is survived by her children: Linda (Phil) Eldred of Roseville, Pat (Bev) Byrne of DeGraff, Tom (Nancy) Byrne of Preston, Rose (Kay) Byrne of Tucson, AZ, and Jack (Tena) Byrne of Tucson, AZ; six grandchildren: Laura (Juan) Orellana, Joe Byrne, Kari (Bryan) Pratt, Daniel (fiancé Holly) Byrne, Amanda Dachtera, and Lillian Eldred; three great grandchildren: Catarina Orellana, Elisabeth Orellana, and Leila Pratt; several nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband, John in 2005; her parents, William & Adeline; sisters: Lillian, Blanche, and Etta; brothers: Leonard, Clarence, Wilfred and Robert; and an infant great grandson, Joshua Orellana.
