Grace Wagner Birney

Grace Birney, 85, of Troy, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 surrounded by her family.
Born October 5, 1939, in Birmingham MI, this absolute legend of a mom never met a swim meet, lacrosse game or school play she would miss, never turned down a late night plea for help on a book report, never planned a holiday that didn't put her kids first and never organized a family event that didn't orbit around her loving pull. She, alongside our equally beloved dad Jim, gave us the childhood you dream about, filled with love and faith, fun and family. Their commitment to each other gave us all a true example of enduring devotion and we were blessed to be witness to it.
She loved chocolate and lilacs, her grandkid's athletic games and the sound of waves. She had no time for pretension and despised bullies. She was tough when she needed to be and tender when you needed that. A lifetime member of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, she spent years helping run the parish's Bereavement Committee, organizing many a homemade meal for families dealing with the loss of a loved one.
With a warm smile and a twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes, she was a friend to many and a force of nature, never shy about speaking her mind. Mischievous in the best way, she made every card game an adventure, every Christmas morning a surprise, and every birthday party and family vacation a joy. She had an open ear and time for everyone, a comforting shoulder and a giant, wide open heart. There will never be another one like her and we are all lesser for her being gone.
If the measure of a life is the love your bring into this world, there has yet to be a yardstick invented that can calculate what she meant.
Beloved wife of James for 64 years. Loving mother of James W. Birney (Christine), Michael J. Birney (Lisa), Thomas P. Birney (Carole), Patti L. Stark (Deacon Chris), Fr. Timothy P. Birney, Daniel R. Birney, Brian W. Birney (Katherine), and the late Robert W. Birney. Cherished grandmother of 20 and proud great-grandmother of 22. Dear sister of Wynifred Grzibowski, the late Albert Wagner, and the late Virginia Farmer.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, June 15, 2025 from 2:00pm-8:00pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers, & Connell Chapel) 32515 Woodward Ave Royal Oak, MI 48073. A scripture service will be held at 7:00pm.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 11:00am at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church 32340 Pierce St. Beverly Hills, MI 48025. Visitation begins at the church at 10:00am.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to the Fr. Solanus Casey Guild 1780 Mt. Elliott Detroit, MI 48207 or by clicking HERE in Grace's memory
This obituary will be updated.