Obituary of Helen Frances "Fran" Bird

BIRD: Helen Frances Bird was born in Rivers, MB on February 8, 1917. She was the third of four daughters born to Charles and Florence Tufts. Fran is survived by her sister, Peggy Lang of Edmonton, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her father died in 1936, her mother in 1946, her husband Percy in 1970, sister Alice in 1994 and sister Dorothy in 2007. Fran received her schooling in Rivers, then after school started working in Rivers, Winnipeg, Victoria, BC, then back to Rivers to clerk in McKenzie's store in 1943. Fran married Percy Bird in 1944. Percy drove a truck for Taylor's Transportation. In 1946, Fran was asked to be the bookkeeper of Taylor's Hardware store, where she stayed until retirement in September 1981. Fran traveled from coast to coast with sisters and friends, going down to the States on numerous occasions. Fran loved her church work - the four sisters went to Sunday school and church every Sunday with their parents. She later taught Sunday school and sang in the choir, while sister Alice played the pump organ. She was president of the St. James Women's Auxiliary, and also served as treasurer of the church. Fran enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge, which she played as often as possible. Fran also did a lot of knitting, crocheting, sewing and handcrafts. In 1992, when Rivers decided to purchase a Handivan, Fran was asked to be on the committee as a senior citizen where she met different kinds of people whom she enjoyed very much. A Memorial Service was held at St. James Anglican Church on Saturday, December 31, 2011 with Rev. Nigel Packwood officiating. Interment followed at the Rivers Cemetery. If friends wish, donations in memory of Fran may be made to the St. James Memorial Fund, 580 Columbia St. (Box 279) Rivers, MB, R0K 1X0.