It's difficult to realize you've been gone a year. You're missed. It wasn't meant for me to be left here alone. I'll always need you.
As we celebrate the beauty of this Christmas season, I am missing you very much. I know how much you loved the holidays and doing special things for so many people just as you are probably doing right now for all God's children. MERRY CHRISTMAS, WANDA
Happy Birthday 1st Birthday in Heaven.
You continue to touch all of us...
I have an aunt named Wanda and have always loved that name.
Mom made a lot of ceramic pieces back in the 1970s. I'm going to take this kitchen set home with me.
We certainly missed you at Randy's wedding. It was a nice ceremony. We had set your place at the table. There was a rose across your plate.
I gave the rose to Sarah, and had a few things to say on your befalf, but I couldn't get out the words.
I know your feelings toward Sarah, and I welcomed her to our family for you.
Sometimes it's hard to realize you're not here.
I miss you.
A fun memory:
Mom and I won first and second place in a Sudoku contest on a cruise in August 2010. It didn't take Dad long to ask how many people participated. (Only two!)
I miss you, Momma. I love you.
I was so saddened to belatedly read of Wanda's passing. I was a classmate of Wanda's - both at St. Nicholas grade school and Garrison High - such a sweet person, who never uttered an unkind word. My deepest sympathy to Stan and family.
This picture is from December 2003 at a Huettl family reunion in Arizona. This is Wanda with all seven of her siblings and her mother.
Seated, from left to right:
Vern Huettl, Lorraine Huettl, Pat Burckhard, Alice Zeiszler.
Standing, from left to right:
Tom Huettl, Nina Huettl, Jeri Saenz, Wanda Bird, Daniel Huettl
To Wanda, there were two kinds of people: friends, and people she hadn't met yet.
May the squirrel never fall off your bumper.
There are more photos than you can see in the preview. Click "view slideshow" to start at the beginning and scroll through all of them by clicking "next." You can click any picture to view it larger.
I visited your grave today. It's already surrounded with fresh graves. There are fourteen there now. A second row was begun.
The setting is good; a large tree with rose bushes about and easy to locate.
Your flowers were gone. I'll see what can be done.
I miss you. I still see you sitting by the fire. I was late to meet Steve, but I stayed for your breakfast.
I'm glad I was home.
88
Wanda's obiturary is in the McClean County Independent. I have read the on-line version.
Friends or relatives around Garrison, please pass the word.
I have heard from many scattered cousins.
Our deepest sympathy to the Bird family and also to the Huettl family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. I am a cousin of Wanda's in ND
I know you are in a much better place now. I will really miss you but i know someday we will be together. We would always have the most fun together. I always know that now you'll always be right by my side and you will always be watching over me through the good and bad things life will give me. I love you so much..R.I.P Aunty Wanda.
May you all have comfort in the belief that Wanda is now in the arms of the best pain reliever. God bless all. Wayne
My condolences. I worked with Wanda at the Encoding Center. We were hired around the same time. She was always kind, always smiling and had a great sense of humor. Your family will be in my prayers.
My sincere condolences to Connie and the entire family. Thinking of you all and sending peace and love your way.
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. Ann and I have you both in our prayers at this time of trial for you and your father. I never met her, but know that she was a fantastic person because of how she instilled the principles in you ( Connie ), that you have shown to us.
Be safe in your travels and tasks during this time.
Our deepest sympathy to the both of you.
Doug and Ann Hubbs
Deland, Fl.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Wanda and I went to school together. Always a beautiful person. God has another angel. She will be missed. Mary Nicolay Vought
Sorry for your loss, words are small but a loss in a Ham Radio family is magnified around the world.
Although Sandra and myself did not know your mother, please accept our sorrow on your behalf.
We pray for your mother and your family in this time of grief.
Charles W4CFH and Sandra Hennis
Wanda had arthritus badly in her hands around age 20. She was on a high-count asprin diet. It helped.
But when she became pregnant, she refused any medication, wanting her child to have the best of chances.
The pregnantcies caused arthritus to be in remission as is often the case.
It would return later in life. Lately is she bumped her hand, she'd double over in pain.
There is no more pain, my xyl.
Thanks for always being here. Boy, do I need you now........
Connie,
I'm so sorry to hear the news about your Mom.
73 Mark KV4I
Mom was loved by everyone who knew her. I cannot express in words how much comfort we've received from the outpouring of love and support from family and friends. Just when you feel there are no more tears, another friend of Mom's will come up and give you a hug...and there it is again. The flowers, food, cards, thoughts, and special favors are greatly appreciated by us all, even when we have trouble expressing that gratitude.
May the God of grace and comfort surround you and your family today.
Connie has encouraged folks in social media and brought a fresh face to the amateur radio hobby.
We will lift your family to the Throne of Grace as you go through this trial.
73
The Bird Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this trying time. As another person said I've never "met" you in person, but feel I know Connie through Amateur Radio and social media. God bless you all as we continue prayer for comfort and peace during this time.
Please accept my heartfelt prayers for the Bird family. I only know Connie through our common bond of amateur radio, but there is no doubt that her parents helped to shape her into an intelligent woman of good character. This reflects very well upon them. May God keep and comfort you all.
I just wanted to pass along my condolences to the entire Bird family. I have 'met' Connie through amateur radio and social media, and think it's wonderful that father and daughter share the same bond. You've obviously done a fine job raising her, and no doubt her mother played a big role in that. Will keep you in our prayers.
My condolences. God bless your family.
Our thoughts and prayers for Wanda's family. We will have a Memorial Mass for Wanda said here in Bismarck.
So sorry to hear of your lost. Our first memory of Wanda was from Mtn.Oaks and all the hard work she did there. Randy and our daughter Amy were good friends growing up. Every time I would run into Wanda, we would catch up on what was going on with the kids. I will miss those times and her smiling face. May God wrap His arm around your family at this time and keep you safe.
To the Bird Family,
While I've not had the opportunity to meet any of you in person, I do know Connie through amateur radio and social media. From my family to your family, we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. I only know Connie via Twitter, and not very well. I hope you all can be of some help to each other during this trying time... Doug KB3TOA @dgou
My prayers are with the Bird family. We are all thinking of you. 88
May God bless your family at this time of need. Christians worldwide pray for their brothers and sisters in Christ daily. I hope you'll find comfort in knowing that Wanda is in Jesus's arms now.
In honor of Wanda beginning her dream of learning how to play the piano, I went straight to my keyboard and played her a rousing, if very elementary, as I am also a beginner, "Rock of Ages" followed by "The Old Rugged Cross." I know she heard me because it was pretty loud! Our thoughts and prayers are sent from Iowa to your family. Hold onto each other because it's there in your family's love where you'll find comfort.
Auntie Wanda was the best. She would yard sale in Tennessee, see things we would like and she would get them and then save them until we would see each other again. I will always treasure these items. She taught my son, Liam to paint, she made me laugh and smile. She listened well. She would get made at my husband Russell for taking her picture. It was so funny. I love you Any Wanda (yes, I spelled that right)forever and always.
Although I have not met any of you personally, my heart hurts for all of you, and I am praying for you. All of us in the ham radio community will do what we can to support you!
Through the eyes of her family and friends, I believe that Wanda serves as an example to all of us. A devoted Wife, and Mother, a servant of God, the Church, and her community. And, a great strength to her entire family. My deepest sympathy goes out to you for you loss
connie, I remember playing at yalls house when we were kids. runnin from your yard to mine, and between your mom and mine. seems like 100 years ago. I was so terribly sad to hear the news. my heart and prayers go out to your family.
This is a picture of Mom's piano lesson homework assignment. (Click the picture to view it larger.) I love that she drew a heart next to the date since it was Valentine's Day.
Mom's lifelong dream was to take piano lessons. Just a few days before she died, she excitedly told me over the phone that she had taken her first lesson. She was thrilled to have found a teacher who didn't require her to practice on a real piano right away; the electronic keyboard was good enough.
Her first lesson was on Valentine's Day. She proudly explained that she had learned Middle C, as well as the adjacent B and D. She learned whole notes, half notes, and quarter notes. She asked me what would happen to the value of a whole note if the music was in 3/4 time, which showed me how eager she was to understand her lessons. She was excited that the teacher gave her books geared towards young children, and she was using her flash cards to learn more each day.
She died on the morning of what would've been her second lesson. When I arrived home that night, I found her keyboard, books, flashcards, and homework assignment in the dining room, where she had been dutifully practicing.
Mom, I am so proud of you for fulfilling your dream. Now you can make music with the angels for all of us.
I love you.
I remember Wanda from Mountain Oaks Elementary where we volunteered for the PTA. She had such a lovely smile and I never heard her say a bad word about anyone. She was great fun to work with, a beautiful person inside and out.
I posted the picture of Wanda with Dad, because I know Wanda is already in Heaven with dad.
I agree with all the things everyone is saying…one word I haven't see is…my sister was resourceful. She was assigned to Tom and me. I think that meant she was our babysitter…but she really was our creative teacher, basketball coach and ring leader. Who else would think of playing basketball with cheese ball puffs in a formal living room with a low hanging light fixture and not get us caught…Or playing bow and arrow with my rubber Patsy doll, going outside at 4 a.m. cause it was light out and time was wasting…or…or..or….
There are so many happy, fun memories and she would share those times with us every time we saw each other, so I know they were equally as precious to her.
Our family has been blessed to have had Wanda in it. Everyones hearts are heavy… when I weep..I keep thinking weep not…
Weep not for me though I am gone;
into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will but not for long,
upon my soul's sweet flight.
I am at peace,
my soul's at rest.
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was blessed;
for all those many years.
There is no pain,
I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts.
In your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath;
remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death,
but celebrate my life.
Thank you Wanda... I love you!
This has been such a shock..you never know when God will call someone home.
Wanda you were such a good sport and sister in law...And mostly I'll always smile thinking about the smooch that has been heard around the world(family)..and you kept the joke going..I wanted everyone to forget....
I'll miss your Christmas presents each year...you were so kind to the kids and everyone.
Loving memories of you forever.
It was such a delight to work with Wanda and Randy at the REC. She was so friendly and helpful and she was very proud of you Randy and her whole family. I know you will miss her greatly and I pray that the God of all comfort will be with you at this time. Joe Chatham
It was her smile that always warmed you. Her character was of such a gentle manner. Our last conversation was about us being family because my mother was a "Byrd". She didn't care about the spelling; we were still family. I will always love her as such. I am sure your loss is great but remember God is able to sustain you in this time of bereavement.
We are so sorry for your loss. Even though we haven't kept in touch we remember the fun we had. Wanda and Heather had a great time sitting at the Grand Floridian just talking. Wanda was a loving and caring Christian woman who always had a smile for everyone.
Wanda added so much joy to so many lives. We adored her at the REC. In her sweet quiet way she made us each feel special by the interest she showed in us or the handmade gifts of love she gave us. We will all miss her sweet spirit.
Wanda and I were cousins and grew up together in a small town in North Dakota. I introduced Wanda to Stan and the rest is history. She was a wonderful woman and friend who I will miss dearly.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Wanda was such a sweet and gentle soul with the brightest light through her spirit and smile. She was one of those people I always looked forward to seeing every day at the post office. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I worked with Wanda at the REC. She was such a beautiful person inside and out. I am blessed to have known her and to be able to call her a friend. She will be greatly missed.
Wanda was a joy to be around and always has a smile on her face. Someone asked me if she wore glasses and I couldn't even remember because all I though about when I though of her was her smile. I think alot of us from the REC has something that she gave us and we will always remember her when we see our gift. Prayers to her family....
It's still hard to believe that Aunt Wanda is gone....no more discussing garden planting dates, if her African violets were blooming, touring the Little Debbie store and hitting rumage sales when we came to visit. Aunt Wanda had a heart of gold, she was one in a million, cared for all, gave her all to everyone. Our family was lucky to have her in our lives for as long as God allowed her to be. We will always miss you Wanda, and know that someday we will see you again.
Love and miss you.....
Bob and Lisa Wolf and family
I loved her chuckle. I was so happy to make her laugh.
Our sincerest condolences to Mr. Bird, Connie, Cathy, and Randy. How difficult to lose a parent. We are praying for you.
Fondly,
Shelly (Bumgardner) Puckett and Family
Darrin, Virginia, Abram, and Eliza
Our love and prayers go out to Connie and the rest of the family. Your mother was a very special lady with a big smile, a big heart and a most infectious laugh. God Bless,
Ann Horten Ford and Angel Ford Gable
May God Be With You All In Your Time Of Sorrow.
Roy & Gay Williams
I worked with Wanda at the REC, too. So sorry for your loss.
We have lost one of God's angels.I guess it was time for her to be in heaven with him. May you rest in peace Ms Bird.
So sorry for the loss of Wanda to ur family. She had a smile that lit up the entire room. We worked at the REC together. Ur n my prayers.
The world has lost a good person. Always finding the positives in others, never a foul word. Good natured, caring, with attention for details. We will miss you.
Memories:
Cracker eating whistling contests and letting me win.
Your ring bearer wearing a sport coat that matched the air force colors.
First baseball bat with a Hank Aaron label.
Many visits to Phoenix. Only one of mine to Chattanooga.
Playing duck hunt video games.
The slight scratch on the rental car.....so many laughs.
Jenny and Caitlyn getting cards stuffed with fun things - stickers, stamps, McD's.
We know you are in a better place.
Love
Dan, Elaine, Jenny and Caitlyn
Wanda was such a wonderful, sweet and thoughtful woman. She had an unforgettable spirit, had nothing but good things to say about all. She will be missed. The Bird family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Wanda was such a wonderful woman. She always had a smile and a kind word when I spoke with her at the REC. And I always smile when I put the Christmas ornaments she made on my tree. I'm very sorry for your loss.
We will never forget her beautiful smile! Kitty.
Wanda Bird was a sweet and gracious person. When she retired, she gave me a card thanking me for helping her kids for when they worked at the REC AND for liking her "tea cookies" :-).
We are so sorry to hear about the lost of your loved one. In deepest sympathy. Jim & Sally Be;;
Wanda always had such a bright smile. I always looked forward to passing her in the halls at the REC because of that.
She will be in my prayers.
I worked with Wanda at the post office. She was a joy and such a sweet woman. Her smile was radiating to all around her and she will be missed by all. Wanda and her family will be in our thoughts and prayers.