Mary Faye Birdsell

Mary Hansen Birdsell, age 81, of Buckeye, Arizona, was joyfully received into Heaven on February 8th, 2026, after a life beautifully lived. Born on August 10th, 1944 in Spencer, Iowa to parents Earnest "Paul" Hansen and Frances Hansen. Mary was blessed with two sisters whom she referred to as her best friends, Rebecca Kling (Lewis) and Elizabeth Firebaugh (Jim). Mary's life was a testament to love, patience, faith and grace.

Mary grew up in Storm Lake, Iowa and after graduating from Buena Vista College she began teaching elementary school before marrying the love of her life (Gary) and relocating to Fort Collins, Colorado. Together, they spent the next 50 years building a life and raising their children. Retirement brought another adventure, trading snow for desert sunshine and making their home in Arizona's community of Verrado where she continued to form more lasting friendships.

Mary was patient, forgiving and deeply accepting, meeting life and people with an open heart. Intelligent and nurturing by nature, she had a way of making others feel understood, supported and valued. As a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, sister, aunt and friend she gave her love freely and fully.

In addition to Mary being a natural born educator, both in and out of the classroom, she loved to travel and explore new places. Her love of exploration shaped both her life and career. Mary had a keen eye for photography and loved capturing her travels and life experiences on film. Some of her happiest moments were spent gathered with loved ones, playing cards, laughing or simply enjoying time together.

Mary was blessed with 60 years beside her husband, Gary Birdsell, a life rich in friendship, companionship and love. She was a proud loving mother to her daughters, Wendy Crilly and Angela Siegel (Jason). Her greatest joy was being a grandmother (better known as "Na") to Keaton Crilly (25), Davis Crilly (21) and Jaxson Siegel (18), each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Mary's legacy is one of kindness, compassion, and unwavering love. While her presence will be deeply missed, the values she lived by and the memories she created will continue to guide and comfort her family and friends. Her life was not only well lived-it was joyfully shared. She will be remembered always, loved endlessly and missed beyond words.

A celebration of life honoring Mary's journey will be at The Victory Club, north resident patio, on April 4th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather and celebrate a life filled with love, laughter and connection. Those who wish to honor Mary's memory may consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley (hov.org) or The American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org).