Molly Byrne Sikorski died peacefully on Friday, March 26, 2021 with her daughter by her side. Born in Chicago on August 9, 1931, she was the second of eight children of Mary Margaret (Farrell) and Emmet Francis Byrne.
A fast runner and a good swimmer as a child, Molly contracted polio at age 10, which left her left arm weak, but never hindered her activities nor her willingness to try. With her strong and lifelong belief in education as motivation, she completed high school in three years and matriculated at Trinity College, Washington, D.C. at age 17, where she earned a degree in mathematics. After several less satisfying post-college jobs, Molly joined IBM as a System Service Girl, early programmers who wired boards in computers. It was at IBM training that she met the love of her life, Tom Sikorski, while sharing a copy of her 80 column punch card deck during a training class. They were married April 4, 1959.
Molly and Tom devoted their 33-year marriage to family, their children in particular. Her first priority was raising Jane, Tom jr., and John. She and husband Tom were a team who enjoyed travel, golf, tennis, and paddle tennis, along with entertaining friends and family. They organized menus and prepared delicious meals for large family reunions, children’s sports teams, and tailgates. Sadly, Tom passed away too soon, shortly after his retirement in 1992 as they were planning a new life chapter at Jonathan’s Landing (JL) in Jupiter, Florida. Though heartbroken, Molly bravely set out on her own. JL became a new happy place, first seasonally and ultimately as her permanent and sole home. She was embraced by the community where she was an avid golfer, played bridge, enjoyed water aerobics and connected with many. A favorite evening adventure was a nighttime walk around the Crosswinds circle with visiting grandchildren, always including Oreos for all.
Molly was an early member of the Twigs of Northern Westchester Hospital, and as the children grew older, she worked at what were fondly known as Molly’s fun jobs including tax preparation at H&R Block, and retail sales positions at Skinners for Sports and the Greeley House in Chappaqua. Her final and favorite employment was at The Second Story Book shop. An avid reader she enjoyed recommending wonderful books to clients, friends, and family members.
She is survived by daughter Jane, and her husband Angelo Santinelli, their children Caroline, Tom, and Maggie, and her fiancé, Craig Calhoun; son Tom and his wife Helena, their children Thomas and Merete; and son John and his wife Linda, and son Johnny. She is also survived by two sisters, Pat Williams (husband Bob) and Lyn Kern (husband Bob); brother Duke Byrne (wife Kathie), along with numerous nieces, nephews and spouses.
Arrangements are being made by Beecher Flooks Funeral Home of Pleasantville, New York. She was laid to rest next to her beloved Tom at a private burial for immediate family. Plans for a memorial celebration of her life are being considered for a future date.
Memorials to Jonathan’s Landing Cares, 16823 Captain Kirle Drive, Jupiter, Florida 33477, or the educational or children’s charity of your choice, are appreciated.
Her positivity and determination will be missed by all.