Margaret Byrne

Margaret Elizabeth Aiken Byrne died peacefully at the home of her son in Oakland on Thursday September 27,2018, after a long illness. Peggy was born in Cumberland March 1,1936 and raised on the family farm in Accident. She was the daughter of the late Benjamin O. Aiken and Hildegard (Miller) Aiken. Peggy was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church. She attended Garrett County public schools where her parents taught, and her father later became principal. When her father took a position in Montgomery County, Maryland, Peggy moved with him and graduated from Poolesville High School. She attended Queen’s College and was a graduate of American University with a degree in International Relations.

She worked at the Indonesian Embassy and the Governmental Affairs Institute in Washington D.C. prior to her marriage to Arthur Byrne in 1960. She moved to Derwood after the birth of her children. Peggy collected, preserved, restored and sold antiques for many years. She was a volunteer at Ascension Episcopal Church in Gaithersburg and a poll judge in Montgomery County. Peggy’s fascination with people, culture and history influenced her eccentric fashion style and her views. She loved to tell stories, read, play cards and travel, especially to Mexico, each winter. Auctions and shopping were some of her favorite pastimes. She passed her love of cooking and entertaining down to her children and grandchildren.

Peggy and Art retired to Terra Alta, West Virginia in 2000 after purchasing her beloved log cabin. She became active in the sewing group, Red Hats and the Alpine Lake community.

Her declining health after a stroke nine years ago and the death of her husband prompted the move to Oakland. Peggy remained active at the Mary Browning Senior Center until late this summer.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Barbara Sutton; and her husband Arthur Byrne.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Theresa Layer and husband Jeffrey and her son, William “Butch” Hamilton Byrne and wife Anne; her grandchildren, Sean Layer and wife Leighanna, Jason Layer, Benjamin Byrne, Alexandra Byrne, Virginia Byrne; and her great grand sons, Logan and Layne Layer. She is also survived by her sisters Martha Best and husband Marvin, Amelia Abrahams and husband Louie and her brother William “Bill” Aiken and wife Rebecca, parents of her beloved nephew Noah. Peggy also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of her life and legacy will take place at St Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Oakland on Saturday October 6,2018 at 11:00 o’clock, in the sanctuary followed by a luncheon in the parish hall. The Rev. Dr. Chip Lee officiating.

Please wear red, turquoise or your favorite animal print in tribute to Peggy.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Matthew’s “It’s in the Bag” program or to the Garrett County Historical Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to the C & S Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A., Oakland.