Elma Gertrude Bird
March 27th, 2020
On Friday, March 27th our beloved Elma Bird passed away peacefully at the Didsbury Hospital at the age of 101 years. A life so well lived!
Elma was the fourth of seven children born to Edwin and Marion (Foat) Reid of Cremona. She grew up in a hardworking, fun loving and talented family with strong family values and faith. Principles she lived by her whole life.
She married Lionel Bird on July 14th, 1943 and they were a farming “team” for 65 years in the Cremona district. They lived life to the fullest and were proud to achieve a Master Farm Award for family, farming, and community excellence.
Elma was renowned – for her open door and welcoming home with wonderful home cooked meals and baking, for her music and singing, and for huge gardens that fed the haying crews and constant flow of guests. She loved all animals and nature and expressed this love with her beautiful paintings. Elma loved being surrounded by flowers, she drove tractors and hauled grain but always made time for neighbors and friends; she was a caregiver for Lionel’s parents who lived on the farm, and family and faith were at the center of her being. She so enjoyed sharing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they adored her.
Elma gave so much of herself to the community as a Cub Leader, church groups and Bible study, choirs, Art Shows, Women’s Institute and later Parkhills, the 5-0 Club, the Museum, and supported Lionel with the Lions, 4-H and more. Attended all family sporting events and never missed a dance!
But most of all, Elma is remembered for her warm smile, her kindness and love for all people! She gave a piece of herself to every person she met. She was humble, positive, never complained, and led by example. Her extended family were many and she loved being a Mother and Grandmother to people who needed her. “She loved life and it loved her back”!
She is survived by three children – Sylvia of Calgary, Grant (Dorit) of Cremona, and Lillian (Bob) Rehak of High River; 4 grandchildren – John (Claire), Bruce (Sharon), Scott (Jessica), Lee (Hannah) and 9 Great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by Lionel in 2009.
We wish to thank the Didsbury Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion Elma received at this very stressful time. Also, to the Carstairs Chinook Winds Lodge where she was so very happy and well looked after by both staff and all her caring friends, especially her dear sister-in-law, Lita Reid. Thank you to all the family, friends, and community who have shared in Elma’s remarkable journey of life.
A service will be held at a later date.
Messages:
Dear Grant, Dorith, Lil and Bob, Sylvia and families, when I called Dorith the other day I learned Elma had passed away. My condolescence to all of you. I´m so thankfull I have had the chance of getting to know Elma. She was such a beautifull Lady. I always looked up to her. One of her specials for me was her cookiejar always filled right to the top with chocolate-chip-cookies. All the young ones and the ones still feeling young entering her house were welcome to a cookie. I´m confident she went up to heaven and is at peace with herself. Elma is much loved and sadly missed.I believe the lord will be with you in these times of change. Sincerely, Katja and Andi, Sabine and Klaus
Dorit & family, while browsing on my computer,I see that a wonderful lady has passed. I well remember her presence at W.I. conferences. What a legacy she has left. I am still involved but not quite as much. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Sylvia, Grant, Lil and families. My condolences in the loss of your mother/grandmother. I have many pleasant memories of tea at the Bird home. It was such a pleasure to know such a remarkabble woman. She will be missed.My thoughts are with all of you. Dorothy
To the Bird family Sorry about about , Mom ,mother-law , Grandma, Great Grandma , Elma was beautiful blessed special lady we love her so much she always big smile you in the room I am go miss so much but she with Jesus beautiful Garden she blessed beautiful angel. Praying and thoughts with The bird family god bless love Angie Donna Praying god bless
I apologize this has taken me this long to comment. So sorry to have heard of Elma's passing. By the sounds of it she lived a good life and I am sure Lionel and her have reunited once again! My condolences to all of the Bird family..
We want to express our condolences to the family with the passing of Elma Bird. May God give you all the strength during these difficult times. Peter and Ria van Hal
Dear Dorit, Grant, Sylvia, Lillian and Bob and Families: I was celebrating when I heard Elma could go to her rest. She had done so many wonders while on this earth, she had more than earnd her peace. We were privileged to have known this wonderful lady, for over 67 years. She sang at our double wedding, under very difficult circumstances, and there are too many other instances of her accomplishments to mention. She will be missed. You were blessed with a marvelous pair of parents and we were also blest to have known you all. Our prayers and God's blessings, Gerry & Rita
Grant, Dorit, Lil, So sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was such a gift of positive energy to everyone around her. At 101 I’m guessing she was at peace and believing she had given life her best shot. Tough to say goodbye. We’ll have you in our thoughts and prayers. Doug and Linda
We have lost a "pillar of our community". 101 years well lived. We will cherish fond memories of her. Our condolences to her family.
I’m so sad to hear this but I NEVER would want such a BEAUTIFUL lady to suffer. WOW! Where do I start... I have tears flowing but am oh so grateful for the privilege of getting to share a small piece in her life. Honestly, she NEVER complained or said a negative word. Always so appreciative of everything! I happy she is now reunited wth her sweet husband and is surrounded by ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL!!!! To Elma’s family, it was beautiful to watch y’all SHOW your love for Elma!! Prayers for all of y’all ❤️
I just wanted to share my condolences. I have been one of the pastors who came to the lodge to do services and I have always been encouraged by Elma's heart that came out in her smile. She was such an encouragement to me that I used her in a sermon illustration. She loved life and she loved the Lord and that was very evident. She was the sweetest lady I know. I will miss her greatly. You had a great representative of Christ there.