1929-2023
Pauline passed away in her sleep on January 19, 2023, in the Olds Hospital Long Term Care Centre at the age of 93.
Pauline Lydia Bird was born May 11, 1929, in Hanna, AB. She was the first-born child of George and Christina Whaley, and was joined in the family by sisters Norma, Tilley, Irene, and brothers Larry, George, and Gary. Pauline attended school in Hanna, AB followed by a few years at Bible College. It was while she was working in the laundry department at the Hanna Hospital that the February 28, 1948, train derailment occurred. The massive number of injuries, the lack of staff to handle them all, and her natural instinct to jump in and help, was the catalyst that sent her to take her nurses' training.
Having been certified to work in Alberta, she took a post at the Olds General Hospital as a Registered Nurses Aid. There, she had a frequent patient, whose grown son left her smitten. In 1963, Pauline married that son Bud Bird, and moved to the farm at Eagle Hill, AB. They had two children, Jeanette and Norman. When both children had started school, Pauline returned to nursing, this time at Sundre Hospital. She put in more than 20 years there, turning co-workers into life-long friends.
She retired in 1990. By this time, they had built a new house, and there were grandkids to fill their days and hearts. Bud and Pauline were very active and involved grandparents and were greatly loved in return. In about 2003, Buds health began to fail. Pauline took on the role of caregiver as they aged. The arrival of a great-grandchild encouraged Bud to hang on a little longer. Bud passed away in 2010, leaving Pauline to soldier on, which she did thanks to her unwavering faith in her God, and the help of family and some remarkable friends and neighbors.
In 2015, Paulines health took a sudden turn requiring full time nursing care. She spent a few months in the Sundre Hospital being lovingly cared for by several of her former co-workers before transferring to Olds Long Term Care, where we met many incredible care workers, to whom we are forever indebted.
Pauline was predeceased by her husband Bud Bird; parents George and Christina Whaley; sisters Norma Schmidt and Tilley Stotz; sister-in –law Velma Mil; brother-in-law Ernest Bird.
Pauline is survived by son Norman Bird; daughter Jeanette (Jerry) Morphy; grandchildren Travis (Danielle) Morphy, Justin Wales, and Nicole (James) Carter; great-grandchildren Rilynn, Hayden, Nathen, Damien, Carson, Chantz, Chyanne and Ciara; sister Irene Kolenchuk; brothers Larry (Dorothy) Whaley, George (Marion) Whaley, Gary Whaley; brother-in –law Vern (Carla) Mill; sister-in-law Mary Bird, as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins, family and some of the best friends you could ever hope for.
A celebration of life was held at the Eagle Hill Gospel Mission Church (which she served for more than 50 years) on February 4, 2023. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
