Ciara Anne Byrne

Ciara Byrne, 20, tragically passed away on May 30, 2024, in a rafting accident on the Poudre River.

Ciara was born on May 10, 2004, in Dunkirk, NY, and lived in Lakewood, NY until she was two years old. At that time, Ciara moved with her family, Peter, Melissa, and Kelsey to Fort Collins, Colorado. She considered Fort Collins her true hometown.

Ciara attended Zach Elementary, Kinard Middle School, Fossil Ridge High School and then continued her education at Front Range Community College. She planned on continuing her studies at Colorado State University in the fall, majoring in psychology. Ciara worked as a dental assistant at Pediatric Dentistry of the Rockies for the past year. She loved her coworkers, helping children and their families, and constantly learning new things.

Any interaction with Ciara was defined by her wit, sense of humor, and kindness. She loved to spend time with family and friends, always finding new experiences together. She was a proud cat lady at age 20; her cat, Zuko, never left her side. She took cello lessons for several years and loved music deeply. This could be seen in beautiful duets with her teacher, Amy, or singing loudly in the car. She was a profoundly intelligent person both emotionally and academically. She especially excelled in and enjoyed math. We are so proud of her in so many ways!

Ciara's creativity was embedded in how she presented herself and navigated the world, from her ever-stylish outfits to the physical pieces of art she created. She appreciated beauty in the world around her. One of our favorite memories perhaps was when she wore pink fairy wings to soccer practice in elementary school.

She pushed her loved ones out of their comfort zones, whether in trying something new or considering a new perspective. She was vocal about what's right and cared deeply about advocating for others. You couldn't find a more loyal friend.

Her fun spirit was contagious. She loved exploring new cities and beautiful places around the world, whether by seeing concerts, discovering beautiful vintage stores, or finding the best croissant in town. She especially enjoyed spending time in her second home of Dublin, Ireland, where her father's family lives. When in Dublin, she and Kelsey always jumped in the Forty Foot together, and she even convinced her father to take the polar plunge. Ciara brought joy, delight, and admiration to her forever grateful family.

There are no words to express this profound loss; we are heartbroken. We find comfort in knowing Ciara knew how much she was, and still is, deeply loved. Ciara is survived by her parents, Peter and Melissa Byrne of Fort Collins; older sister Kelsey Byrne of Fort Collins; beloved cat Zuko; grandparents Kathleen Weber and Nat Goodhartz of Hilton, NY; Allen E. and Suzanne Weber of Fort Myers, FL; aunts and uncles Myles and Aisling Byrne, and their children Rachel and Andrew, of Booterstown, Co. Dublin, Ireland; Wendi Weber and Jon Foster and their children Bailey and Clayton of South Deerfield, MA; She is survived by many other loving family members and friends who she loved deeply and who continue to love her.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Ciara's name to either Children's Hospital of Colorado or Animal Friends Alliance.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00pm on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Tapestry House, 3212 N. Overland Trail, Laporte, CO 80535. We hope all who attend will wear their favorite colors and bring memories and photographs of our sweet and precious child; we want to see and hear them all.