Irene Phyllis Bird's Obituary
Irene Bird: Lifelong Algonac resident and community member
Irene Phyllis Bird, born 1941 (83), died peacefully on March 13 after a year of health complications that lead to pneumonia. Irene was born in Chicago, Illinois to Doris and Lloyd Parker and lived with her family on the corner of Nook and Field Road until marrying her first husband and father of her 3 children, Dan Grote in 1959. She is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Doris Parker, Roxanne Brown, Leonard Parker, Leslie Parker and husband’s: Dan Grote, Vern Pearl and Wallace Bird.
As a life-long resident of Algonac, she graduated from Algonac High School in 1960 and remained in the community her entire life. For 37 years she worked in the Algonac School system starting as a playground attendant at Algonac Elementary in 1970 and remained working for various departments including special education and the Superintendent’s office until she retired in 2007. She served on the City Council of Algonac for many years and was the 3rd elected female Mayor of Algonac for a decade. Her commitment to the Algonac Community was one of her greatest accomplishments and her most prideful contribution was bringing a better way of life to the riverfront town. “I want the Algonac Community to know that they are a part of this town,” she said in 2004. “I have a citizens’-first vision for getting things done.”
Her ultimate joy was her family who loved her very much: Doreen Lee Grote (Ruth), Lori Lynn Jaglois (Joe), Wendy Sue Purvey (Nick) and 4 grandchildren Bradley Scott Highstreet, Pamela Lynn Highstreet, Alexandra Nicole Purvey, Madison Rae Purvey, great granddaughter Amirah Lynn Highstreet and nephew James Llyod Parker.
In her younger days she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen and she could be seen well into adulthood boogying on a dance floor and pulling off a perfect cartwheel. As an avid reader, baker and excellent cook, she found joy in spending time with her family making lasting memories that will last a lifetime.
A celebration of life will be held at the Algonac Lions Hall at 1905 Mill St, Clay Township, MI 48001 on Saturday, March 22 from 3:00-6:00 pm with a service at 4:00.
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