July 14, 1919 - March 27, 2020
On Friday, March 27th our beloved Elma Bird passed away peacefully at the Didsbury Hospital at the age of 101 years. A life so well lived!
Elma was the fourth of seven children born to Edwin and Marion (Foat) Reid of Cremona. She grew up in a hardworking, fun loving and talented family with strong family values and faith. Principles she lived by her whole life.
She married Lionel Bird on July 14th, 1943 and they were a farming “team” for 65 years in the Cremona district. They lived life to the fullest and were proud to achieve a Master Farm Award for family, farming, and community excellence.
Elma was renowned – for her open door and welcoming home with wonderful home cooked meals and baking, for her music and singing, and for huge gardens that fed the haying crews and constant flow of guests. She loved all animals and nature and expressed this love with her beautiful paintings. Elma loved being surrounded by flowers, she drove tractors and hauled grain but always made time for neighbors and friends; she was a caregiver for Lionel’s parents who lived on the farm, and family and faith were at the center of her being. She so enjoyed sharing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they adored her.
Elma gave so much of herself to the community as a Cub Leader, church groups and Bible study, choirs, Art Shows, Women’s Institute and later Parkhills, the 5-0 Club, the Museum, and supported Lionel with the Lions, 4-H and more. Attended all family sporting events and never missed a dance!
But most of all, Elma is remembered for her warm smile, her kindness and love for all people! She gave a piece of herself to every person she met. She was humble, positive, never complained, and led by example. Her extended family were many and she loved being a Mother and Grandmother to people who needed her. “She loved life and it loved her back”!
She is survived by three children, Sylvia of Calgary, Grant (Dorit) of Cremona, and Lillian (Bob) Rehak of High River; 4 grandchildren, John (Claire), Bruce (Sharon), Scott (Jessica), Lee (Hannah); and 9 Great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by Lionel in 2009. We wish to thank the Didsbury Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion Elma received at this very stressful time. Also, to the Carstairs Chinook Winds Lodge where she was so very happy and well looked after by both staff and all her caring friends, especially her dear sister-in-law, Lita Reid. Thank you to all the family, friends, and community who have shared in Elma’s remarkable journey of life. A Service will be held at a later date. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.myalternatives.ca.
