Joanne Byrnes

Joanne Palozzi Byrnes, 79, passed away, Thursday, February 9, 2023 in The Village of Luther Ridge, Chambersburg, PA. Born March 14, 1943 in Rochester, NY she was the daughter of the late Michael F. and Jennie M. Palozzi. Joanne graduated from Nazareth Academy, Rochester in June of 1961.

Joanne is survived by her husband, James Paul Byrnes whom she married April 16, 1966; two children, Christine A. Palm (John) and Michael C. Byrnes (Angela); five grandsons, John Palm, III (Lily), Aaron Palm, Joshua Palm, David Byrnes, and James Byrnes; a brother Francis Palozzi (Serene); a nephew, Kirk Palozzi (Amy); and two great-nephews, Michael and Marcus.

After graduation from Nazareth Academy, she began working in the Social Security Administration’s Rochester District Office as a clerk stenographer. There she met her future husband, Jim. Just prior to their wedding, Jim accepted a promotion to the Social Security Administration’s Office, Baltimore, MD.

The move to Baltimore was difficult, as they knew no one and were adjusting to married life in an area where Joanne didn’t have the support of friends and family like she had in Rochester. However she did well adjusting. When children, Christine and Michael came along, both she and Jim believed it was important for the children to have the attention of a full-time mom. As the children grew older, she sought and secured a position in the Social Security Administration’s Office of Systems to help support her children’s education. When Jim retired she also left her job, having fulfilled their goal of securing the children’s education without taking on the burden of loans.

Shortly after their retirement, Jim and Joanne moved to the Chambersburg area. They enjoyed traveling, bowling, golfing, and supporting their grandchildren’s many activities. Together they took up ballroom dancing where they made many new friends. They enjoyed the company of all of their friends, whether traveling together, dining out, playing cards, or simply visiting.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 23, 2023 in Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 320 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, PA 17201 with Fr. Matthew Smith officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the new church narthex.

Arrangements are by Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Chambersburg, PA.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to www.stjude.org in Joanne’s honor. Online condolences may be expressed at geiselfuneralhome.com.