Darlene Bird

Darlene Marie Bird

Beloved Mother, Sister, Auntie, & Yiya, passed away peacefully in her home on January 19th, 2026 at 7:40 am surrounded by her loved ones who cared for her in her final days and fulfilled her last wish which was to get out of her bed and smoke a cigarette. She was 72 years young. Darlene was born on May 26th, 1953 in the beautiful mission mountains in St Ignatius to Charles Robert Bird and Rose Andrew.

Darlene, as she was affectionately known was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, kindness, and generosity(she had a selfless spirit).

Darlene's home was always open, serving as a gathering place for family and friends.

Darlene was raised in Post Creek on Hillside Road where the homestead still remains. She attended school in Ronan and received her first Holy Communion at the Ursulines in St Ignatius. Darlene worked various jobs including house-keeping, potato farms, head start, and sewing aprons. Her favorite place was being out in the country. Throughout her life she enjoyed many interests and hobbies, riding horses, camping, powwows, beading, huckleberry picking, cooking, baking, and riding four wheelers. Besides her deep abiding love for her children and family she enjoyed nothing more than her coffee and cigarettes. She took great joy in watching her soaps indulging on a piece of chocolate and telling good stories while making you laugh with her great sense of humor. She enjoyed listening to oldies but goodies even singing "Old Time Rock & Roll" by Bob Segar, a few days before she passed.

Despite her health challenges, she remained resilient, independent, grateful and fought till the end - "A tough Bird" as she would say. She will be missed deeply.

Darlene was preceded in death by her son, Vincent "Vinny" Burrafato; her sisters, Diane Bird(Twin), Shirley Ann Bird, Sharon Rose Bird; brother, Gene Lefthand; her parents, Charles Robert Bird & Rose Andrew Bird.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Rosemary Burrafato and adopted daughter, Geri Lehman-Bird; her grandchildren, Dominic Martinez, Alexia Burrafato, Sean Vincent Burrafato and Mary Rose Gardipe; siblings, Charles Henry Bird, Mary Ann Bird, Ann Marie Lefthand; uncle, Gene "Tippy" Bird; and numerous nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

Services are as follows at the Longhouse:

Rosary Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 7 PM

Traditional Service on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 10 AM

Darlene's wishes were to be cremated following services and scattered next to her son Vinny, where she will finally rest peacefully.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darlene Bird, please visit our floral store.