Jeannette Eveline Byrnes

Jeannette Eveline Byrnes of Hermiston, Oregon was born May 29, 1940 in Manchester, New Hampshire the daughter of Albert and Eveline (Poitras) Byrnes. She passed away in Hermiston on Friday September 3, 2021 at the age of 81.

Jeannette grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire where she attended school and graduated from high school. After high school, she began studies to become a registered nurse. After completing her studies, she joined the U.S. Air Force where she served as a Medivac Nurse during the Vietnam War. She served eleven years active duty and many additional years in the Army Reserves. She eventually retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel from the Air Force.

Jeannette lived for much of her adult life in California where she worked as a nurse until retiring in 2000. In 2001, she moved to Hermiston, Oregon where she has resided since. She was active with the Red Hat Society, studied and became a Master Gardener and Volunteered at Good Shepherd Hospital in Hermiston.

She is survived by her husband of over thirty five years, Robert “Bob” O’Brion; sister, Therese Turner; brothers, John Byrnes and Robert Byrnes; and many extended family members and friends.

At her request, no services are planned. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.

"She was just a common soldier and her ranks are growing thin. But her presence should remind us we may need her ranks again. If we cannot do her honor while she's here to hear the praise. Then at least lets give her homage, at the ending of her days. Perhaps just a simple headline in the paper that might say: Our country is in mourning, for a soldier died today."

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