Irene Bird

Irene Marie Sedler Bird, born January 1, 1925, passed away peacefully at her home of 68 years surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, March 18, 2014.

Irene was born in Erie on January 1, 1925 a daughter of the late Heins 'Henry' Sedler and Mary Schroeder. She lived in Erie her entire life graduating from Academy High School. She married the late James H. Bird in 1944 and raised her family before working her first job at Cook’s Market, later she was a crossing guard, and then retired from retail, her favorite being Halle's. In her later years she was the neighborhood baby-sitter.

'Always a Mom' and as her friends of the last 10 years would say 'always a card player.'

She was preceded in death by her husband James H. Bird and her brothers Henry 'Bill' Sedler, Harry Sedler, and a sister Norma Gathers.

Survivors include her daughters June M. Beard, Waterford (Vernon deceased), Nancy Bird-Blackwood, Erie (James deceased) and son, Thomas J. Bird, Arizona; a granddaughter Skyla A. Bird, Arizona, and her beloved companion Karma; two step children Barbara J. Waiter (William), Wattsburg and Beverly J. Bilek (John), Andover, Ohio, many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, her sister Helen L. Camp, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In her later years her times were made rich by her beloved and devoted friend, Jon Izbicki who remained with her on her journey till her final hour. A heartfelt thanks to Jeff, Ileana and her children (Ereishaliz and Kendrick), Ginger, Tina, Barb, Jordan, Liza, Madeline, Mandi, Olivia, Rose, Kristin, Pastor Bob and Asst. Pastor Nancy. Thanks to Genevieve for the healing bracelets, to Vivienne for the power ponies and Lisa for her chicken soup that made all the difference. Thanks to Ramps of Hope for making her final years safe and happy, to Lakewood United Methodist Church for their ever constant vigil.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Sunday, March 23rd at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 3856 West 10th Street at 5 p.m. with Reverend Robert Lewis officiating.

Arrangements entrusted to Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th Street.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ANNA Shelter, 1555 E. 10th St., Erie PA 16511 c/o Rescue Railroad, or to Ramps of Hope, P.O. Box 263, West Springfield, PA 16443.