Histories

Mrs. Mabel D. Byrne, 67, S. C. Leader Succumbs

Funeral services for Mrs. Mabel Drennan Byrne, 67, one of Santa Cruz’ most esteemed women, who died at 11 o’clock Monday at a local hospital, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday from Wessendorf’s mortuary. Private interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. cemetery.

She had been ill since Sept. 5, when she suffered a stroke.

Prominent in the church, educational, civic and social life in her native Santa Cruz, Mrs. Byrne will be mourned by the entire community in whose betterment she maintained an active leadership.

Mrs. Byrne was born in the pioneer Drennan home on Church street, which recently was razed for the Wessendorf mortuary parking lot.

She was the daughter of the late Samuel and Louisa Drennan. The mother was one of the early teachers in the public schools and was a leader in the church, club and civic life. Her father was a prominent citizen and for years a leading realtor and insurance agent.

Mrs. Byrne attended the schools of the city, was graduated from the San Jose State Normal school, now known as San Jose state college, and then was recognized as a teacher of unusual ability in the Mission Hill school

Leader

A woman with a keen mind an intellect she was a leader in all that stood for the best progress of the city. She figured in civic and social life, but above all her church life was always first. As a girl she united with the Congregational church. She was an infant baptized in this church and the baptismal robe worn by her was worn by children of her own family for the sacred ceremonial.

Afternoon Club

She was one of the early members of the Saturday Afternoon Club, now the Santa Cruz Woman’s club. From the beginning she was a member of the Friday Shakespeare club, also of the Santa Cruz Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and of the Decorative Art Society.

She had served a number of times on the Santa Cruz Council of the Young Women’s Christian Association and was interested in all the work for young people.

In this city she was married to Walter C. Byrne. The wedding was at the family home on Church street. Her husband preceded her in death about a year. He was prominent in the business life of the community and was connected with the Byrne Bros. store in the Drennan block.

Surviving her are children , Barbara, of the high school faculty at San Diego, Gilbert and John, Santa Cruz; Mrs. George Shreve, Redwood City; Mrs. Paul Kerr, Daley City; and a sister, Mrs. R. B. H. Collier of Berkeley.