Obituary of Lorraine M. Bird

Lorraine M. Bird, 94, a longtime Tucson resident, passed away on March 29, 2014. Lorraine was born April 19, 1919, grew up on a farm in Stanton, Michigan, and was a graduate of Stanton High School. She was the daughter of Clint Miller and Hazel Taylor. She is survived by nieces, Molly Miller, Janet Bradley, Diane Kueffner (Kenneth); brother-in-law, Gerald Malling (Mary); nephew, Paul Malling; niece, Melanie Ashley (Brian); great-nephews, John Kueffner (Joanna), Craig Kueffner (Laura), Ben Williams, Robert Williams, Jason Andress (Amber), Jon Andress (Lisa), and Chris Andress; great-niece, Jennifer Bradley; and close friend, Linda Baribeau. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Bird, Sr.; stepson, Larry Bird, Jr.; her sister, Audrey Malling; her brother, Leon Miller (Martha); niece, Allyn Andress; her special companion, George McGill, whose son, Gary McGill and daughter, Molly McGill remained in Lorraine's life. Lorraine was a proud veteran of the Women's Army Corps in World War II; and in 2012 she and her special friend and fellow veteran Arthur Jacobsen were invited by The Honor Flight group to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and it was a memorable event for them. She was retired from Hughes Aircraft Company. She was an avid reader with a great sense of humor, loved to travel, and was always open to exiting new adventures like a safari in Tanzania, Africa. She was an active supporter of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. She lived at Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and loved playing golf there. A special thanks to Casa de la Luz for their compassion and care in Lorraines's final days. Also, special thanks to Janny, Robin, Rose and Jan (these people were part of what Lorraine called her "village"). She will be missed by all who cherished her friendship and love. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. There will be a Celebration of Lorraine's Life on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at her home. Arrangements entrusted to the ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.