March 13, 1943 – May 31, 2023
Elaine Anne Byrnes passed away on May 31, 2023, at a Hospice house in Tucson. Elaine was born on March 13, 1943 in Boston, Massachusetts to Samuel and Anna (O’Shea) Cooke. In June 1961 Elaine married her soulmate, John Byrnes. Together, they raised a familyand relocated to Lake Havasu in 1976.
Elaine volunteered at her children’s elementary schools, Starline and Oro Grande and eventually built a career at the Lake Havasu Board of Realtors. Upon retirement, she volunteered at the Lake Havasu City Visitor Center. In 2020, she moved to Tucson to be closer to family. Elaine was a loving wife, and a dearmother to her five children. She was also a proud“Grammy/Gigi” to ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and brothers Patrick Sullivan and Wayne Sullivan.
She is survived by her brothers James Cooke andJoseph Sullivan; her children: Denise Schrantz, Laura Graser, Michael Byrnes, Stacey Diehl and Kathleen Stock; grandchildren: Jonathan and Isaac Schrantz;Mitchell and William Graser; Ava Byrnes; Myah Diehl; Rachel Berry; Jonah, Hannah and Benjamin Stock; great grandchildren: Blaise, Madeline and Penny Schrantz; Luke and Elizabeth Berry; Patrick Stock.
Elaine’s warmth, wit and compassion will be sorely missed. Her selflessness and ability to put her family first will never be forgotten. The family will be celebrating her life at a private ceremony in February. No services are planned.
