Mary BIRD

BIRD, Mary Angle, a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and friend, passed away January 17, 2012. Born Mary Tucker Angle on August 14, 1919 in Newport, Rhode Island, to William Parker and Addie Tucker Angle, she grew up on the 3400 block of Floyd Avenue in Richmond and attended St. Benedict's School and Thomas Jefferson High School, class of 1937. She received an associate's degree in Interior Design from RPI (now VCU) in 1939. In April 1942, she met the love of her life, William H. Bird "Bill" at an officers training school dance at the Richmond Hotel. Bill and Mary were married a few months later, but were quickly separated when Bill was ordered overseas. Over the years, Mary raised a family of two sons and was active in the church and community. She was a founding member of St. Bridget's Catholic Church and lifetime member of the Commonwealth Women's Club. Mary joined her husband as a founding member of the Ridgetop Recreation Association; they were very active in the Richmond Ski Club and started the Urbanna Yacht Club. Mary's church and devotion to God and Christ were always a major part of her life. She enjoyed sewing and decorating her home. She was an excellent hostess and cook to the delight of her many friends and family members. Bill and Mary spent many happy weekends on their boat in the Urbanna Marina. Taking on the role of caregiver took up much of Mary's later adult life. She took care of her parents and Bill at home when they became ill. Bill and Mary celebrated 57 happy anniversaries before his death in 1999. Most recently a resident of St. Mary's Woods, Mary previously lived over 50 years in the Westham neighborhood. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Barry and Mary Catherine Bird of Mechanicsville, and David and Lynne Bird of Midlothian; three grandchildren, Laura Levine, Kevin Bird, Patrice Bird; and one great-granddaughter, Lilly Metcalfe. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bliley's-Central Chapel, 3801 Augusta Avenue, Richmond, 23230. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, 6006 Three Chopt Rd., Richmond, 23226, on Friday, January 20, at 11 a.m. Interment to immediately follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, on Patterson Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Commonwealth Catholic Charities.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.