Dolores Romaine (Tirabassi) Bird

Obituary Dolores Romaine Bird, affectionately known by all as Dee, née Tirabassi passed peacefully surrounded by family on 5 September 2016 at home in DuPont, WA following a lengthy illness. Born on New Year's Eve in 1931, Dee grew up in East Cleveland Ohio, attended Collinwood High School and Heidelberg College where she met and later married her husband Tom. For 28 years she embarked on a career as a proud Navy wife; through multiple moves, to include an eight year period in Europe, Dee provided for and dedicated her life to raising their four children while creating the most loving and supportive home for her children to thrive. After Tom's retirement the family settled in Redmond "Sammamish" WA in 1978 where Dee immersed herself in devoted service and support to her family, community and church. Acutely sensitive to the needs of others, Dee started as a volunteer at long term care facilities and later became a certified Activity Therapist/Director working with the elderly; something she was truly gifted in and an occupation that really allowed her to embrace her innovative spirit. She was later recognized as an expert ombudsman advocating on behalf of the elderly in long term care facilities, another strong passion of hers. Later she became an active Stephen Minister, applying her care with compassion philosophy she devoted her time to assisting those in her community dealing with grief. Her devotion to her family and faith were paramount to her strength of character, which emerged and characterized her whole life, but especially during her last years. Never a day went by that her family didn't know that they were the most important part of her life. She is survived by her loving husband Tom of 62 years, daughters Valerie Elizabeth Olsen (John) of Mount Vernon, WA, US Army Lieutenant Colonel Marissa Aimeé Bird of Tacoma, WA and Thomas Cushman Bird II of Seattle, WA. She is predeceased by her parents Anthony Nino Tirabassi, Philomena "Minnie" Tirabassi and daughter, Christine Reneé Bird. She leaves behind her brother Anthony "Sonny" Tirabassi, and several cousins, nieces and nephews all of whom she loved dearly. A special thank you to those caregivers from Anthony Care LLC and Patriots Landing who over the past several years provided such dedicated care for our loving mother and wife Dolores; your compassion and kindness is appreciated. In keeping with her philosophy of moderation in all things her visitation is scheduled for Friday 9 September 2016 from 12-5 PM at Gaffney Funeral Home in Tacoma, WA with open sharing from 3-5. A graveside service will be held on 10 September at 1200 PM at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery in Shoreline, WA. Those who wish to memorialize Dee; in lieu of flowers please send donations to the Alzheimer's Association. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.