Sr. Enda Eileen Byrne, former OLHCC president

Marianite of Holy Cross Sister Enda Eileen Byrne, who served for 74 years in religious life and was president of Our Lady of Holy Cross College for seven years, died Oct. 27 at Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center in New Orleans.

The native of Corona, New York, entered the Congregation of the Marianites of Holy Cross in 1939 and pronounced her perpetual vows on Aug. 11, 1946. She received her degrees in education from Tulane University and Southern Mississippi University.

She taught at several schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, including the Academy of the Holy Angels, St. Agnes and Holy Name of Mary. She also taught at St. Francis in Houma, St. John's in Plaquemine, Sacred Heart in Ville Platte and at the Academy of the Immaculate Conception in Opelousas.

In 1962, she began teaching in the education department of Our Lady of Holy Cross College. She earned a doctorate in education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1967 and returned to Our Lady of Holy Cross College. She served   as president of OLHCC from 1971-78.

She later taught special education in Jefferson Parish public schools. From 1995-2001, she taught English as a Second Language and volunteered as a counselor in a hospice program. She was an active extraordinary minister of holy Communion to those in nursing homes.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated Nov. 2 at Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home. She was buried at the Marianite Mausoleum in New Orleans.

In lieu of flowers, the Marianites of Holy Cross request that memorial donations be made to the Marianites of Holy Cross at 21388 Smith Road, Covington, LA 70435.

Sister Enda was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence J. Byrne, her mother, Helen Ball Byrne, and her brothers Joseph, John, Peter, Michael, Lawrence and Xavier, and her sisters Mary Ann, Emily and Theresa.

She is survived by her brother Enda Joseph and her sisters Helen (Cyprian) and Kathleen.