Patricia C. Byrnes, of Northampton, passed peacefully from this world on Feb 27th, surrounded by people who loved her, leaving family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues deeply saddened.

Pat was a vibrant presence in life: loving, generous, kind, smart, outspoken, and full of adventure. She had been seriously ill in 2022, but fought to regain her health and independence, returning to her longtime home and adapting to new challenges on her own terms. She remained able to care for and delight in her beloved cats, and was an avid reader, knitter, cook, and recipe-sharer. Pat's interests were wide-ranging: she loved music, particularly live music; followed politics and current events closely; and was a passionate fan of college basketball, professional tennis, and Yankees baseball. She had a rare gift for making the right connections, whether matching people with organizations or cats with their forever homes. Her love of animals extended well beyond cats. Pat was active with many animal shelters and was a trusted resource for anyone considering adopting a pet.

Pat was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Anna Byrnes; her beloved sister, Imelda Daly; and her brother-in-law, Bill Daly. She is survived by her niece Monica Daly; her nephew Dan Daly and his wife Eileen; and many beloved cousins, especially Cheryl Carroll Tansey. In recent years, Pat wholeheartedly embraced the role of great-aunt to her great-niece and great-nephew, Sloane and Ian Daly, as they grew into young adults. Talking with them frequently by phone and text, she formed irreplaceable bonds through their many conversations about politics, music, caring for animals, basketball, books, knitting, and cooking — and through never-before-heard stories she shared with them about their grandmother. Pat also leaves behind a far-flung circle of friends who will deeply miss her generous spirit and wicked sense of humor.

Pat was a living example of what it means to hold strong beliefs and pair them with action and dedicated her long professional career to the betterment of others through her work in affordable housing. She worked for many organizations across the country and throughout the Commonwealth, including the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, MassHousing, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, MBL Housing and Development, the Regional Housing Network of Massachusetts (RHN), and RCAP Solutions. She also contributed her time and expertise as a member of the Board of Directors of Valley Community Development Corporation for many years, and most recently for Independent Housing Solutions, Inc. Although she made her life in Northampton, she spoke with enthusiasm about her times living in Key West, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Manhattan, Boston, and particularly Martha’s Vineyard.

No immediate services are planned — March Madness will soon be underway, after all — but Pat would appreciate a “rip around the (rosary) beads” in her memory, and in memory of those who have no one to remember them. She would also be delighted to know that food and friends continue to come together in her memory — whether you cook a recipe she shared with you, or simply a favorite of your own to share with the people you love.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for June in Northampton. Memorial contributions may be made to Here Today Adopted Tomorrow Animal Sanctuary (180 Sturbridge Rd, Brimfield, MA 0101), In Honey’s Memory Cat Shelter (P.O. Box 147, Huntington, MA 01050), or Valley CDC (256 Pleasant St., Suite A, Northampton, MA 010600). 

If you would like to honor Pat in your own way, she would be equally touched by a contribution to an animal shelter, affordable housing organization, or any cause working toward a more just and compassionate world.