Tom Beirne, R.I.P.

A native of Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon, Tom Beirne died on Sunday, June 7 after being in ill health for some time. He was 90 years old. For the past 40 years, Tom and Susie were active member of Seattle's Irish community, and were very well known and liked. He was always genuine and warm, and it was a real pleasure to know him. During his illness over the past year, he has been missed at the Irish Luncheons and other events that he and Susie usually attended, and his passing will be mourned by a wide circle of family and friends.

Tom's funeral service will be at St. Thomas Parish at 4415 S 140th St, Tukwila, on Monday, June 22, with a Rosary at 10:30 am followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Thomas Parish.

Thomas Beirne, 90, died on Sunday, June 7th, 2015. He was born to Patrick and Margaret Beirne in County Roscommon, Ireland on September 4th, 1924. After his parents passed away he traveled to Cobh, Ireland (a seaport town on the south coast of County Cork) where he departed on July 1st, 1953 on the R. M. S. Mauretania. He arrived five days later in New York. He continued on via train to Washington state and was naturalized as a U. S. citizen in 1963.

In 1955 he married Janet Malmstadt. They had four children: Margi, Tim, Tracy and Mike. They were divorced in 1972. Thomas married Susie Johnston in 1975. She had four daughters from a previous marriage: Kimberly, Maureen, Marlene and Juli.

Before coming to the United States he never drove a motor vehicle. He retired from truck driving in 1986.

Thomas was active in the Irish Club and was a member of St. Thomas parish. During his last days he was cared for at Bethesda Adult Family Home in Renton, Washington.

Thomas was preceded in death by all his siblings: John, Patrick, May and Dehlia and his two youngest children Tracy and Michael. He is survived by his wife, Susie Beirne, his children: Margi Cain and Timothy Beirne (married to Hilda Beirne), his daughter-in-law Mayumi Beirne (widow of Michael Beirne), his step daughters: Kimberly Johnston (married to Martin Evans), Maureen Richardson (married to John Richardson), Marlene Albrecht (married to Ray Albrecht) and Juli Francisco, and his grandchildren: Jeannie Beirne (married to Matthew Brennan), Thomas Beirne, Brittani Cain, Teresa Beirne, Naomi Beirne, Melissa Richardson, Rachel Richardson, Shelby Francisco, Raymond Albrecht, Andrew Albrecht, and Hunter Evans. 

 Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis