Irene B. McAuliffe

We announce the passing of Irene McAuliffe, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who departed this world on March 14, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on June 20, 1936, in Hot House, Georgia, Irene was the cherished daughter of Carl and Mattie Bell Dillard Byers, who instilled in her the values of kindness, faith, and hard work.Irene dedicated a significant part of her life to her profession as a line worker at General Motors. Beyond her career, she was deeply involved in her community, actively supporting the Special Olympics.

A devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church, Irene's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She shared her love for music by singing at various churches. Her garden was a testament to her nurturing nature.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael McAuliffe; parents, Carl and Mattie Bell Byers; siblings, Lloyd Byers, Frank Byers, Garnet Byers, Junior Byers, Imogen Green, and Ann McFall; daughter, Patricia Owens; and son, Johnny Garren.

She is survived by her daughter, Bernice Yvonne (Charles) Barensheer; son, Thomas McAuliffe; sister, Inez Allen; brother, Hoyt Byers; grandchildren, April Keyosky, Jessica Keyosky, Christina Barensheer, and Robin (Josh) Wilson; great-grandchildren, Cassandra (Matt) Schmitz, Anthony Keyosky, Hayley Keyosky, Paige Holland, Drake Wilson, and Brock Wilson; great-great grandchildren, Sunshine Schmitz, and Colt Schmitz.

Irene cherished her family above all else. She was a pillar of strength and love for her children and grandchildren, always ready with a warm embrace, a listening ear, and wise advice. Her legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Funeral services to celebrate Irene's life will be held on Saturday, March 21, at 2:00 pm, at Cochran McDaniel Funeral Home in Blairsville, GA. A burial service will follow at Toccoa Baptist Church Cemetery in Morganton, Georgia, where she will be laid to rest.

Family will receive friends on Friday, March 20, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Cochran McDaniel Funeral Home and on Saturday, March 21, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

Ray Brown, Robin Wilson, Josh Wilson, Matt Schmitz, Anthony Keyosky, and Josh Silvers will serve as pallbearers. Thomas McAuliffe will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Irene McAuliffe.  You may sign the guest register and send condolences to the family at www.cochranmcdaniel.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.