Judith "Judy" Bird

Judith (Judy) Louise Chandler Bird

05/21/1949 – 06/09/2023

1949 Dash 2023

That little dash represents a life-time of achievements, hopes and dreams come true and of disappointments endured. That little dash is also a representation of 74 years of caring, love, sharing of herself and helping of others. That little dash represents a life well lived.

Although short in stature, she was an avid athlete, specializing in track, bowling, horse-back riding and roller skating.  Very few roller-skated as gracefully as she. She also enjoyed doing different types of crafts with her daughter Jennifer. Still to this day, she is remembered for her potpourri pies she would gift at Christmas time.  As well as the mop dolls and stuffed hot air balloons they would make for gifts throughout the years.

Her uncle Bill had some horses on his property in Denver.  Judy’s little Shetland pony was named Dynamite, but to Judy he was Bo Bo.  There existed a time when Judy was saddled up and two mischievous 12-year-olds smacked Bo Bo’s rear. Judy was thrown off of her pony. Uncle Bill picked up the whimpering youngster and put her right back on the saddle! Bo Bo liked to bite people but he never did bite Judy.  He loved her!

While bowling, a high average escaped Ms. Bird but it was fun watching her get ready.  The ball would rest on her upper chest as the pins set up. Then when the piped-in music began, she would stand there swaying to it.  She loved to dance.

Judy’s magnetic personality can best be found in the 30 years she spent as an in-home child care provider.  On August 10, 1982, she received her Provisional Child Care license. A Mrs. Prissy Tafvakolian wrote of her abilities, “When my baby was one years old, I had to return to work and was seeking quality child care for my daughter. I wanted someone who was loving, caring and very, very patient.  I wanted the best for my child and I found Judy Bird.  I can highly recommend Judy as skillful, responsible and considerate.”

A Mrs. Marilyn Smith, shared those feelings, “This reference is to verify and provide unconditional recommendation for Mrs. Judy Bird. She has provided outstanding loving care to my daughter for the past two years. I have observed a patient, positive and dependable attitude towards my child and the others in her care. I feel that she provided my daughter with the best available care in a home setting.”

Most recently, Mrs. Lisa Fertman states, “we lost a very special friend this past Friday. We’ve known Judy and her family for just over 27 years.  She had such a special relationship with our kids, especially our son Zachary. I know in my heart that Zach helped welcome her to heaven and gave a big hug” (he passed away in September 2022).

Judy, although being adopted very young and growing up with a family she loved and cherished very much, always wondered about and wanted to seek out her biological family.  Over the past 10 years, Jennifer helped her mom locate not only her biological family but also her first daughter, Tammie, that she had to give up for adoption. Over the years Judy became close to Tammie and her husband Randy, who live in Iowa.  She also became close to her siblings on her biological mother’s side; her sisters, Colleen and Tracie who live in the Midwest. She also had two brothers Kelly, whom she did not get to meet but did speak with a few times by phone, and Tim.  Tim passed away in October 2022.  He and his wife, Bonnie, came out to Colorado a few times to visit her and they remained close. On her biological father’s side, she was able to meet two of her brothers, Roger and Russell, as well as two sisters, Rosie and Lucy while on a trip to Illinois. They stayed in contact as best as they could.

Judy was no stranger to physical pain.  Cataract surgery in both eyes; a left knee replacement that cause a long and very painful recovery; two lower spine operations caused by sciatic nerve problems.  On November 18, 2020 her bladder was removed due to cancer.  Her latest bout with ill health, was brought about by kidney failure.

She continued to stay strong.  She never cursed God.

We are not mourning for Judy.  Her days of pain are over.  For that we are thankful.  We are mourning for ourselves.  We will miss her warm smile, her hearty laugh, her ability to find good in not so-good situations.

If there is a heaven, there could be no doubt that Judy is there, resting peacefully in
The Lap of God.

Judy is survived by her partner, Tony, of 12 years.

They have 2 toy poodles, Pumpkin and Peanut, who will miss her immensely.

Her brother Chris (Kim) Chandler of Littleton, CO.

She also gave life to 4 children who will miss her and remember her always;

Tammie (Randy) Bohan of Kesley, Iowa, Shawn (Carlene) Wiegel of Rutland, VT, Scott (Heather) Wiegel of Arvada, CO and Jennifer (Chris) Bates of Castle Rock, CO.

She also leaves behind 3 grandchildren; Ashley (Brian) Steele of Birch Bay, Washington, Daniel (Lily Verts) Wiegel of Arvada, CO and Giuliana Bates of Castle Rock, CO.

She is survived by many other cousins, nieces, nephews.

P.S. Your days of suffering are over sweetheart. I will miss you. Thanks for the memories.

– Only Me (Tony)

“I USED TO CRY BECAUSE I HAD NO SHOES,

UNTIL I MET A MAN WHO HAD NO FEET.”

SOURCE UNKNOWN

“OUR GREATEST VICTORY IS NOT IN NEVER FALLING,

BUT IN RISING EVERY TIME WE DO FALL.” -Alexander The Great