Courtney Anne Byrnes, 29; Stamford Native Who Had 'Ability to Bring Light, Grace and Empathy to Those Who Knew Her'

From Bosak Funeral Home.

Courtney Anne Byrnes, 29, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Sunday, January 25th at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, New Jersey, after a courageous eight year battle against cancer.

Courtney was born and grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, and graduated from King Low Heywood Thomas School in 2003. She lived in several places throughout her 29 years, but over the past six, she called Barnegat Light her home. She had just finished her first year of a radiology technician training program.

From her family and friends to her fellow students to her many nurses, doctors and surgeons, Courtney was truly beloved and admired by everyone she met. People gravitated to her because of her kindness. She exuded warmth and humility.

Nothing made her happier than spending time with those she loved, and she had the rare ability to bring light, grace and empathy to those who knew her. Her grit, courage and wicked wit in the face of hardship continue to be an inspiration to all who remember her.

She is survived by her parents Anne & Jack Byrnes, grandparents Richard & Helen Rosendale, her brother Christopher, sisters Jessica, Liz and Angela, her boyfriend Anthony and her two favorite partners in crime, dogs Catcher & Hobbes.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations in Courtney’s honor be made to the Lighthouse International Film Festival or the North Shore Animal League America. We hope that, in keeping with her kindness and generosity, those who knew her will do an unsolicited and random act of kindness for someone in her honor.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life on Friday, January 30, 2015 from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm at Bugbee-Riggs Funeral Home, 1119 Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom, NJ 08008. Another viewing will be offered on Saturday, January 31, 2015 from 11am to 12pm, at the Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue, in Stamford, CT. A private burial will follow.