Lynn Alison Van Gilder

She is survived by her husband, Mike Bird. Lynn is also survived by her father Jack and stepmother Millie Manfull; her sister, Cindy Buchanan; her brother, Greg Manfull; her step-children, Kristalyn Horkel, Michael Bird, and Jeffery Bird, her nephew Erik and niece Doni; and her four grand children. Lynn was preceded in death by her mother Dorothy Manfull and her brother Timothy Manfull.

Lynn graduated from Moreno Valley High School and UC Riverside with a BS in mathematics and a teaching credential. She lived in Riverside County for 30 years and had a varied career as a high school math teacher, a social researcher for the University of Chicago, a home companion for disabled seniors, a drug treatment counselor and a San Bernardino County Substance Abuse manager.

She loved to travel and cook. Whether it was taking the kids to the beach for a day in the sun or going up to Big Bear for a day in mountains, spending quality time with her family was a priority. One of Lynn's favorite sayings was "Well behaved women seldom make history" and she was instrumental in establishing San Bernardino County's court referral program for drug and alcohol treatment. Always ready with a warm smile and a kind word, she was looking forward to renewing high school friendships at an upcoming reunion.

Lynn was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

There will be a small reception at the Miller-Jones Mortuary in Hemet on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 from 1 to 4 pm.