Margaret K. (Keillor) Byrne

Margaret (Margie) Keillor Byrne

Margie Byrne left this earth after 93 wonderful years on August 20, 2021 after a short bout with COVID-19 although fully vaccinated. Born on November 21, 1927 in Lafayette, IN to Mary Zoellner Keillor and Ronald Dempster Keillor. Margie grew up enjoying meals at the family restaurant, Keillor’s Drive-in, in Greensburg. Margie attended Indiana University at Bloomington and pledged Phi Mu Sorority. Margie realized how fortunate she was to go to college and cherished her sorority sisters her whole life. After graduating, Margie became a stewardess for American Airlines to see the world. Encouraging her was Gene Edward Byrne who would become her husband on June 28, 1950. The couple resided in Rushville, IN and had 5 children. Because her parish needed her help, Margie began teaching elementary school at St. Mary’s where she discovered her love of teaching. She enjoyed every child she had the opportunity to instruct. In 1966,

Gene’s job took the family to Des Plaines, IL. Margie enjoyed the Chicago area raising her children and working, at first as a teacher and then, as a successful Real Estate Broker for Century 21. Margie and Gene retired in 1987 and moved to Indianapolis, IN and became very involved with both Immaculate Heart of Mary parish where her brother-in-law, Father Jim Byrne, was pastor and her neighborhood parish, Christ the King. Margie and Gene travelled widely, frequently helping with church missions. Locally, Margie was a dependable volunteer for St. Vincent DePaul. Margie was an effervescent resident of the very caring community of Marquette Manor since 2005. 

Margie will be remembered as a very social, loving and caring matriarch, as well as for her positive attitude, curiosity, and sense of adventure. Margie is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Gene Edward Byrne, her three brothers (Ronald, John and Fred) and her infant sister. Margie leaves behind five children and their spouses: Mary Amanda Byrne and Tammara Tracy of Paducah, KY; Dr. Kevin P. and Lisa Byrne of San Diego, CA; David B. and Mary Beth Byrne of West Trenton, NJ; Dennis M. and Linda Byrne of Elk Grove Village, IL; and Stephen V. and Laura Byrne of Annandale, NJ. 

Margie also leaves 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren who will miss her greatly: Jason Michael “Jake” and Angela Byrne with Taylor Mae, Isaiah, and Jason; Sara Byrne and Marshall Robertson; Jacob Dennison “JD” Byrne; Brian and Chrissy Byrne with Declan; Megan Byrne; and Tim Byrne.

Arrangements are made by Todd Funeral Centre & Crematory, Rushville, IN. Leave stories of Margie at www.toddfuneralhome.com. Viewing will be Monday, August 23, 2021 from 4 PM to 6PM at Flanner & Buchanan, 1305 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at 10:30AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5884 Crittenden Ave, Indianapolis, IN with Rev. Todd Riebe officiating. Friends can also call after 9:30 AM, Tuesday before the funeral mass. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, 1033 N. Ft. Wayne Rd. Rushville, IN 46173 at 2 PM, August 24, 2021 with Rev. James Brockmeier officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, vaccinations are requested. Memorials may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church building fund; the American Cancer Society or St Vincent Hospice.  Please light a candle and share a memory or condolence with the family online at www.ToddFuneralHome.com 

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