Wilma M. Bird

Wilma (Willi) Bird, age 85, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, in her home with her family by her side. Born in Kitchener, Canada, and raised in Toledo, OH, she was the beloved wife of Joseph Bird of Downingtown, PA, with whom she shared 57 years of devoted marriage. She was the cherished daughter of the late Eleanor (Columbo) Mittendorf and Lyle Leslie.

Willi devoted her life to serving others with quiet compassion. She volunteered with Fresh Air Kids and Camp Can Do, uplifting children facing cancer, and offered support to patients and families at Bryn Mawr Rehab and Chester County Hospital. She shared her love of learning through the Prisoner Literacy Program and encouraged young athletes in CYO Girls Softball. During Holiday times, Willi alongside family served with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Project Santa and at soup kitchens, bringing comfort to those in need. Her kindness and dedication touched countless lives.

Willi enriched her community through decades of involvement, actively participating in the Newcomers and the Junior Women's Club of Downingtown. She embraced life with a spirit of curiosity and joy, especially through her love of traveling and reading. At home, Willi treasured time spent with friends over local card games, bridge, and mahjong. An avid club member of golf, tennis and bowling leagues she approached every hobby with enthusiasm and camaraderie.

She was influential in co-creating the girls softball league in Downingtown, and was the Whitford Flowers coach many years and won the district championship.

Willi loved spending time with her family at their Pocono home, taking ski trips with her husband to Colorado, New England, and Canada, and enjoying annual beach weeks in Ocean City, NJ with family and friends. She delighted in dressing up for formal Christmas dinners in New York City with her notable style and sophistication, and, in that same spirit, took great joy in decorating her home and creating beautiful seasonal tablescapes.

Every Christmas and Easter season were fun filled with games for the children & grandchildren which included finding the green pickle in the Christmas tree.

Her life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother touched countless people, and her absence will be felt deeply. Her famous chocolate cake with green mint icing – was a hit for any family birthday gathering -made lovingly from scratch and perfected in a way only she could-will be treasured in memory for years to come. Above all, Willi was a compassionate listener and an honest, steady presence who always believed there was good in everyone. Her kindness and faith in others remain a lasting gift to all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Joe, and her sons Chad (Diana), Jay (Cheryl) and daughter Leslie (Tom), her grandchildren Erica (Mike), Tom (Ashley), Chelsie (Ricky), Meghan (Desi), Marcus, Kile (Bailey), Jax, Brent, and great grandchildren Ethan, Arabella, Landon, Esme, Charlie, Soul, Colten, Savanah, Harper, and her loyal dog, Benji.

Along with her parents, she was predeceased by husband Thomas E. McNeil and son Todd M. McNeil.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 1, 2025 at St. Joseph Church, 332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown. Family and friends will be received from 9:30-10:45 AM.

Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Downingtown.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Joseph's Church at 332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA and or to Smile Train, P.O. Box 96246, Washington, DC 20090-6246