Memorial Service
Obituary of Edna A. Ierley-Byrne
Edna Ierley-Byrne died on April 8th after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. She will be remembered by her family and friends as a kind, loving mother, wife, sister, friend, and colleague, and a consummate cat lover. Born in Morristown, New Jersey, she grew up in Florham Park.
She took pride in her family of origin and family created. The daughter of Reginald O. Ierley and Alma W. Maki Edna is survived by her husband Barry, daughters Robyn Alice Byrne (Mexico City) and Meredith Ierley Byrne (Geneva), her sister Alice (Colorado), brother Doug (Maryland), and granddaughter Claire (Mexico City), brother-in-law Steven, sister-in-law Adrienne, and nephews Noah and Henry, and niece Emma. When her brother Glenn died in 2024, her Alzheimer’s had progressed to the point where she was unable to grieve her beloved brother.
Edna lived in Mendham Township, NJ for 35 years. She attended the Brookside Community Church for many years, where she worshiped and served, chairing the Deaconate and Missions committees.
She graduated in 1968 from Moravian College in Bethlehem PA, receiving a BA in English.
Edna was a professional librarian at the Madison Public library for 18 years, starting in the children’s section and later managing special programs and exhibitions. Her sense of design, color, and layout was reflected in the numerous illustrated newsletters, bulletins, and posters she developed during her time at the library.
In 2002, Edna joined the Madison New Jersey Senior Center as the director, where she developed senior health programs, managed facilities expansion, and organized trips and lectures.
As a commissioned calligrapher she created and illuminated proclamations and dedications for both state and local municipalities. In 1982, Edna co-wrote and produced The Youngest Daughter, a biography of Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge.
She was an avid crossword puzzle fan, preferring to complete them in ink. Her creativity and love of fabric, fashion, craft and knitting brought her both peace and joy.
A service will be held in the Chase Room of the Madison Public Library on May 16th at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of Madison Public Library (www.friendsmadisonnjlibrary.org).
Arrangements are under the care of Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, Madison.