BIRD, Helen Grace - (6 February, 1926 – 18 May, 2021) - Helen Grace Bird was a lovely lady. That was what all who knew her said about her. Her middle name, Grace, goes a long way in describing her character. She was gentle and kind and loved her family, nature, and painting.
Helen was born in Toronto, the middle daughter in the Hancock family. She grew up on Silverthorn Avenue and met the love of her life, Lloyd Bird, in her teens as he lived across the street. They married in 1950 and welcomed two children; son Jefferey and daughter Elaine.
Helen began a career as a landscape artist when the family moved to King Township in 1963. She became well known in the York Region art scene and had many one-woman shows at the York Fine Art Gallery in Aurora, and Wild Wings Gallery in Schomberg. Helen also taught painting lessons and had many students who became well known York Region artists as well. Helen loved going out to paint in nature and especially loved the family cottage in Muskoka. Many of her paintings featured the Muskoka landscape of water and rocks.
Helen was a wonderful wife and mother and loved nothing better than when the whole family was together; especially for the holidays and birthdays. She loved her three granddaughters, Jaclyn, Claire and Cierra and was delighted with her two greatgrandchildren, Brooke and Jackson. When Helen’s eyesight became poor because of macular degeneration, she kept up her love of games by playing scrabble and cards when she could no longer see to paint. She went through hip replacement surgery at 91 and was able to keep going. She moved into the Roxborough Retirement Residence in 2017 and really enjoyed the social activities and the meals. She loved her desserts!
Helen was always an optimistic person and never worried about things. She loved to wear white. Lloyd used to tease her and say it was so that she never had to do any work because she would get dirty! Our mom was the glue that held our family together. She always listened and helped in every way she could.
We will miss her very much but she will be in our hearts forever. Arrangements entrusted with Thompson funeral home, Aurora.
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