BARBARA ANN BIRD (MICHAUD)
FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine - Barbara Ann Bird (Michaud), 78 years of age, passed on to her heavenly home Saturday, April 11, 2015 departing from the Caribou Nursing Home in Caribou, Maine. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God and the love and prayers of family and friends sustained her through many years.
Barbara was born on March 9, 1937 in Soldier Pond, Maine to Doris Kiernan Michaud and Gordon Michaud. She was the oldest of 6 children. Barbara was predeceased by her precious daughter, Robin, by her mother and her father, by her brothers Fred and John Michaud, by her sister Katherine Michaud DiGiacomo. Surviving are her sister Alice Connors of Ocala Florida, and her brother James Michaud of Milford, Connecticut and many nieces and nephews.
Barbara is famous for her delicious hot apple pies, cooked in her farmer's wife dream kitchen on Forest Avenue in Fort Fairfield, where she watched the apples grow on the apple trees in the orchard right outside her kitchen window on the farm. The apple pies were her signature gift, lovingly prepared and graciously given to many friends and acquaintances, directly from the generosity of her heart. Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet demeanor that won the trust and loyalty of all who met her. Possessing a true servant's heart, and through her gifted cooking talent, Barbara faithfully cared for her family and friends.
Barbara's early school years in a one room schoolhouse at Soldier Pond, taught her lessons lasting a lifetime. At 15, Barbara moved to Fort Fairfield and she graduated from Fort Fairfield High School in the Class of1956. Barbara was a cheerleader, and that is where she met her high school sweetheart, Bernard Bird (Bunny). Barb and Bun were married for 61 years, and raised 4 daughters; Jane and her husband William Baird of Columbus, GA, Cindy and her husband Paul Philbrick of Hampden, Robin Bird, and Becky and her husband Dan Boucher of Presque Isle. Robin went home to Heaven at age 12. Today, there is a Mother-Daughter reunion in Heaven. Barbara was blessed with 8 grandchildren, Bernie, Jonathan, and Chris Philbrick of Hampden, Stephanie and her husband Jared True of Clifton, Jennifer Dodson and Jared Clark and his wife, Becky, of Columbus GA, Brycen Brown and Daniel Boucher II of Presque Isle, and seven great grandchildren. All of her grandchildren lovingly called her "Gram", and she wore it like a Badge of Honor.
While raising her 4 girls, Barbara earned a BA in education from UMPI, and began a teaching career. Barbara found her calling in life when she discovered her gift of teaching and nurturing her students. Not a week passes but her family hears evidence from the testimony of her former students. She had a passion for giving of herself, to the many causes she supported, and to her endearing students.
Barbara was a woman of faith. She was the nucleus of the Bird Family from the farm on Forest Ave. Barbara shaped the spirituality of those around her, by her tireless Christian example; which is Love. Barbara made many friends through life's journey and her Christian walk. Her friends were many, and she cherished each and every one.
Barbara was a member of and past President of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority of Fort Fairfield and the Philomathean Club, whereby she made life long friends. She also was a member of the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce for many years and was awarded an Honorary Member for her services. She chaired the Potato Blossom Festival for several years.
Barbara lived a full and blessed life with her husband Bun. They were soul mates right from the start. They traveled far and wide, vacationing often with their family and many friends. They lived a rich and abundant life together because they understood what mattered most in life; family, friends, and giving of themselves. Barbara's wit, charm, sarcastic humor, and infectious laughter will be missed by all. Years of memories will be etched in our hearts forever, of our angel with a new mission in Heaven, Barbara Michaud Bird, precious memories of her life, her laughter, and her love.
The funeral service will be at Noon at the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral home on 144 Main Street in Fort Fairfield on May 23, 2015. Immediately following we will gather at the VFW on Presque Isle St. in Fort Fairfield for a time of fellowship.