Obituary: Evalena M. Bird, 92, of Cuba

CUBA — Evalena M. Bird, 92, of Cuba, and formerly a longtime resident of Tonawanda, passed away Saturday (June 16, 2018) at Cuba Memorial Hospital, after a lengthy illness. Born on April 24, 1926, in Clearfield, Pa., she was a daughter of Thomas and Mayme M. Card Bickhart. She was a graduate of St. Mary’s School in Dunkirk. She had worked at Clements in Buffalo, and later at a factory in Tonawanda, prior to her retirement. Evalena enjoyed her home, family, pets and walks by the Niagara River. Her hobbies were crocheting and baking. Christmas was her favorite holiday and always sent Christmas cards and baked cookies. She was a resourceful giver, a lovely person and a devoted mother. Surviving are a daughter, Carol Ann Ronolder of Cuba; a son Thomas L. Bird of North Tonawanda; three grandchildren, Catherine, Joseph and Thomas; a great-grandson, Gavin Thomas; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Harry Bickhart; and a sister, Ida Bickhart. The family would like to send a very heartfelt thank you to the employees of Cuba Memorial Hospital for caring for their mother over the past several years. Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside celebration of Evalena’s Life at 11 a.m. Saturday (June 23, 2018) at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Cuba. The Rev. Dennis J.J. Mancuso, will officiate. Following the service, friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life picnic, at 9419 Trenkle Road, Cuba. Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service Inc., Cuba.