Irene M. Byam, (nee-Lantsberry), 76, of Elyria passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family on Thursday August 11, 2001 at the New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph in Lorain following a long illness. She was born January 29, 1935 in Elyria and was a lifelong Elyria resident. Irene was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Elyria where she served on the bereavement committee. She was also the owner of the former Joc Shop in Elyria and enjoyed spending time with her family. Survivors include her daughter, Bridget (David) Novak of Elyria; son, Bret (Cynthia) Byam of Zionsville, IN.; grandchildren, Allison, Samuel, Jaclyn and Michelle Byam and Margot and Jack Novak; sister, Darlene Steigner of The Villages, Fl.; brother, Richard Lantsberry of LaGrange. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack in 2004, great-grandson Harrison Swihart, sisters, Dorothy Lantsberry and Lois Sotherden and a brother, John Lantsberry. Their will be no visitation. A Memorial Mass will be Tuesday August 16, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude Church 590 poplar St. Elyria. The Rev. Frank P. Kosem, pastor, will be the Celebrant. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Murray Ridge School Aquarium Fund 1091 Infirmary Rd. Elyria, OH. 44035. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Elyria. 322-4626. Service: 10:00 AM Tuesday August 16, 2011 St. Jude Catholic Church 590 Poplar St. Elyria, OH.