PEARL EDELE BIRD, A.R.T.

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PEARL EDELE BIRD, A.R.T. December 16, 1912 - April 1, 2006 We announce the peaceful passing of our dearest aunt at the Selkirk and District General Hospital at the age of 93 years with her family by her side. Leaving to cherish her memory are her loving nieces, Judy, Beverley, Lorraine and Pat, nephews, David, Tim, Larry and Alan; two special great nephews, Allan and Ryan and Paul, Stephen and Cameron, great nieces Meghan, Catherine, Karleigh, Anna, Victoria, Julia and Elizabeth, great great nephews, Kelson and Riley; and great great niece Karah. She is survived by her loving sister-in-law Sallie Bird and brother-in-law Pat Ramsey, as well as cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, David (1918) and Kristina (1965) Bird; her sisters, Nora Anderson (1960) and Dorothy Ramsey (2004); brothers, Clair (1910), Leonard (2003) and Gordon (2004), nephew Rick (1975) and sister-in-law Anne Bird (1990). Pearl was born on December 16, 1912 and raised in Selkirk. She retired from the Selkirk Mental Health Centre in 1977 after 46 years of service. She progressed from switchboard operator to medial records and farm office clerk, and then furthered her education to become an Accredited Medical Record Technician. She was an Associate of the Canadian College of Health Records Administrators. Pearl was past president and long standing member of the Selkirk Business and Professional Women's Club and an active member of the Selkirk United Church. She was awarded the Canadian Silver Jubilee Medal in recognition of her worthy and devoted service to the community. Pearl was an energetic, fun loving person with numerous friends and many and varied interests in her earlier years including bowling, cycling, camping and swimming. After her retirement she enjoyed travelling with family or friends. She was very family oriented and loved get-togethers at the Ramsey's cottage in Petersfield. She was an accomplished seamstress and was always ready to take on a new project at the request of her family. She also enjoyed crocheting and knitting and was rarely seen without the current project in hand. Pearl touched the hearts of all who knew her but none so much as her nieces and nephews. She played a large role in the lives of her nine nieces and nephews, always ready to share her time and talents with us. She was always willing to lend her ear or to give encouragement and support. She was the eternal optimist, always able to find the patch of blue in the sky or in life. She possessed a very giving spirit and never said I can't or I won't . She was our very special Auntie Pearl. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Pearl's life will be held at Selkirk United Church, 202 McLean Ave., Selkirk, MB at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 8 with Rev. Deborah Vitt officiating. Interment to follow at the family cemetery, St. Clements Church, Mapleton. The family extends a thank you to Barb and Cindy for previously caring for Pearl at Ross House and to the staff at Selkirk - Betel Home, especially Virginia and at Selkirk and District General Hospital for their care of our aunt. If friends so desire, donations in Pearl's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. Rest in peace, Auntie Pearl. You will always be in our hearts Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 04, 2006