Alicia Rita Bird

Alicia Rita Bird, aged 88, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2019 at her residence in the Waltonwood Apartments in Canton, Michigan. She was born January 18, 1931 to Frederic R. Rita and Alice M. Rita. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Joseph F. Bird. She was the youngest of four children: Frederick; Margaret (Mimi) and George. Her brothers and her sister all predeceased her.

Alicia was the wonderful and caring mother of four children: Joseph C. Bird (Laura). Thomas F. Bird; Peggy C. Bauer and Lee Ann Bird. She is the amazing grandmother of five grandchildren: Andrew Bird; Benjamin Bird; Samuel Bird; Katy Bauer and Megan Bauer. She was also the sparkle in the eye of four great grandchildren: Landon Cerney and Catherine, Keegan and Rosie Bird.

Alicia graduated from Holy Cross High School in Washington DC in 1949. She attended Georgetown University and graduated as a Registered Nurse. After marrying, she worked at Annapolis Hospital in Wayne, Michigan for many years while also caring for her children as a full time mom. She loved working in the Labor and Delivery department and always brought a special “from a mother’s heart” caring to her new mother patients and their newborn children. She even delivered several children on her own in emergency circumstances, including one in her neighbor’s home when the baby would not wait. Later in her career she transitioned to being an IV specialist, taking pride in making the process less painful for her patients.

Alicia was a woman of great faith and a devout Catholic. She was a long time parishioner of St. Mary’s in Wayne, Michigan. She loved to volunteer at her church whether serving meals, taking blood pressure or sharing her infectious smile, sense of humor, a kind word and a hearty laugh. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and those who had yet to meet her.

On Friday December 20, 2019 from 4-8 PM, the family of Alicia Bird will receive guests at the Harry J Will Funeral Home on Michigan Avenue, Wayne, Michigan to commemorate her beautiful life. Snacks will be served. Pictures and videos will be displayed. Family will embrace anyone who attends.

The following day, Saturday December 21, at 10 AM EST, a mass will be held in her honor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wayne, Michigan, adjacent to the funeral home.

The Bird Family

Joe, Tom, Peggy and Lee Ann