Barbara Anne Byrnes, age 65, a resident of Wheaton since 1983, died Monday, April 13 at ManorCare Healthcare Center in Naperville. She was born on December 4, 1943 in Spokane, Washington to George and Katherine St. John.

Barbara graduated from Milikin University with a degree in Education and was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She earned her Masters Degree from Roosevelt University in Student Counseling. She was hired as an English teacher for School District 200 in 1966 where she worked until retiring on June 16, 2003 after 37 yrs. Mrs. Byrnes taught at Wheaton North High School, Wheaton Central High School and for many years at Wheaton Warrenville South High School. She was a published poet in the "Prairie Light," a COD Magazine and the "English Journal'" a professional academic publication. She loved teaching freshman, particularly "To Kill a Mocking Bird" and Romeo and Juliet," as well as British Literature, Creative Writing and Senior Rhetoric.

She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton.

She is survived by her husband, Patrick J. Byrnes, one son Ryan, one brother, George St. John of Deer Park, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, from 4-9 P.M. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 18, at 10:00 A.M. at St. John Lutheran Church, 125 E. Seminary Ave., in Wheaton. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to the St. John Lutheran Church 125 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187 or the American Cancer Society.

Family and friends may visit hultgrenfh.com to sign an online guestbook or for more information call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.