Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

February 28, 2024

CHARLOTTE – Joan Kearney Byrne, 94 years young, passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.  She was born October 29, 1929, in New York City (the day the stock market crashed). 

Joan’s parents were Irish immigrants who instilled their love of Ireland and the Catholic faith to Joan and her seven siblings.  In addition to family and faith Joan also had a deep love of travel and adventure.  She enjoyed working for the airline industry for over 50 years beginning in reservations and later sold airline reservation systems to travel agencies.

Joan met her first husband, Christopher Byrne, while working for Eastern Airlines.  They were transferred from New York to Charlotte in the mid-60’s and joined St. Vincent de Paul parish and became fast friends with many other young couples that became life-long friends.  Joan and Chris did not have children but became adored aunts and uncles to J.P., Nancy, Eileen, Stacy, Mary Ann and Catherine Fitzmaurice.  Aunt Joan loved squiring her nieces and nephews to the best of NYC including the Radio City Christmas show, Rockefeller Center and the Irish Pub, Rosie O’Grady’s.  Throughout her life Joan loved the Christmas season – her decorating and entertaining over the holiday were legendary.

Joan was widowed at age 44 and earned the admiration of many of her contemporaries as she independently navigated her career and finances. She was transferred from Charlotte to Alexandria, VA where she enjoyed a very active social life and travelled the world with friends.

Joan’s transfer back to Charlotte and rejoining St. Vincent de Paul parish was celebrated by many.  In addition to working full-time she committed herself to many parish ministries and social clubs.  Joan broke the glass ceiling by becoming the first female usher, taught English as a second language and was an active member of the St. Lucy Circle and ACE’s Senior Club.

Joan continued to live a single life for over 30 years until she was met and married Joe Valalik in 2009.  They enjoyed an active lifestyle which included many cruises.  This was their shared passion and they took advantage of Joan’s expertise in arranging memorable trips.  An example of their drive for fun came while on their way to board a cruise they had an accident that caused their car to roll over on its top.  Several people came to their assistance, so they walked away from the accident unharmed.  Rather than cancelling their trip they convinced a good Samaritan to drive them to Charleston, SC so they could make their cruise.

Joe and Joan had years of adventures before his death in 2019.  Joan, now 90, continued to volunteer at St. Vincent’s, take trips with the ACES and attend Eastern Airline retiree dinners and events.  She will be remembered by many for her joyful, fun-loving personality, and zest for life.          

Joan’s Funeral Mass will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday, March 15, 2024, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC.  Interment will follow in the church columbarium.  The family will receive friends following the service in the Activity Center at the church.                                                                   

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.