It is with great sadness that the family of Rena Doris Bird announces her passing on October 13, 2020 in Prince Albert, SK.  Rena was born in Tweedsmuir, SK on November 22, 1948 to Adam Bird and Doris Anderson.  She lived in SK, BC, AB and moved back to Prince Albert, SK to raise her two oldest grandchildren after losing her daughter Kerri-Lynn.  Rena moved in with her son Terence and his family 11 years ago after an acquired brain injury, then dementia set in 4 years ago and took a rapid decline within the last year.  In addition to this Rena was diagnosed with cancer in March of 2020.  She was a strong woman who fought a hard and courageous battle but succumbed to the disease when the Creator took her home on October 13, 2020.  Although she lost the battle to cancer, Rena will always be remembered as a fighter and a survivor as she survived residential school and overcame many obstacles along the way.  She has left behind many precious, beautiful memories and teachings with her family and friends.

In her childhood years Rena loved playing and exploring outside, collecting rocks, riding horses, watching chuck wagon races, listening and dancing to music.  Rena had two beautiful children, Terence born in April of 1972 and Kerri-Lynn born in July of 1974, whom she loved with all of her heart.   When back in Prince Albert, Rena found joy in volunteering at various local charities.  Rena loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and cherished the many years she lived with them, watching them grow.  Prior to losing her memory, Rena loved baking bread, playing bingo, visiting and playing cards with friends.  As her memory faded, Rena found pleasure and joy sitting outside in the sun with her coffee and cigarette, watching, teasing and playing with her puppies.  She would spend hours outside listening to the birds, collecting rocks, tapping her toes to the beat of music and laughing as she played with her dogs.

Rena is survived by her son Terence (Theresa) Thorsen; grandsons Jessie (Keeshia) Naytowhow and Tayen Thorsen; granddaughters Jessica (Nathan) Naytowhow and Kesa Thorsen; great grandchildren Ramona, Arianna, Noah, Kieran, Donte and Myla; her brothers Daniel (Hilda) Bird, Ralph Bird; her sisters Debbie Bird, June Bird, The Anderson sisters and her special sister-in-law Betty Ann Bird; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rena was predeceased by her daughter Kerri-Lynn Bird;  her parents Adam Bird and Doris Anderson; grandparents Alec and Emma Anderson; her sister Lena Bird; her brothers Barnabus Bird, Adam Charlie Bird (Raymond); her special auntie Rema Anderson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Due to covid, A Celebration of Rena’s Life will take place July 18, 2021 at Anglin Lake (Anderson point) and Christopher Lake (Spruce point) where people can share stories of Rena.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bernice Sayese Centre – 1350 15^th Avenue West, Prince Albert, SK S6V 5P2, Prince Albert Food Bank – 64 11^th Street East, Prince Albert, SK S6V 0Z9,  or YWCA Our House Crisis Centre for women and men – 94 15^th Street East, Prince Albert, SK S6V 1E8.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tracy-Lynn Lenchuk, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.

• Date : 2020-10-13
• Location : Prince Albert, SK