Velia "Belle" Garcia Bird

Mom received her heavenly wings on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the age of 92. Born October 30, 1931 in San Antonio, Texas to Matias and Victoria Garcia and raised with her siblings Reya, Alice, Matt and Rosie. Mom loved her family dearly and always lit up when sharing a story from her childhood about her mom and dad, brother and sisters. Mom had the convenience of attending Harris elementary which was literally just outside the front door and across the street from their home and later graduated from Fox Tech High School in 1949.

Mom met our dad, Willis (Bill) Bird at the NCO club at Lackland Air Force base where our father was stationed. They were soon married and celebrated 70 years together until our father's passing in 2021. I think my siblings and I would agree that mom did her best and because she did, we will be alright. Mom was best at keeping the family together, remembering birthdays, and the infamous birthday check! Mom also made us feel that although we had very little, we had enough. Once we kids were grown and left the nest, mom was able to take life's lessons and fulfill her greatest role of all: Grandma and Great-Grandma!

Grandma Bird absolutely adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She taught them to play poker, Uno, and Sequence just to name a few. And once old enough, you might even enjoy a little Seagram's Seven. The games were just an opportunity for grandma to spend quality time with her grandkids, and to listen to their gripes, help with the car when money was short, and give advice on love and relationships. All in all, the grandkids could not possibly lose with grandma in their corner. And just when you think there is no more love to give, grandma would light up with just the mention of a great-grandchild or one on the way! Grandma Bird will forever be their guardian angel.

Mom also enjoyed the revolving door of friends and family that would come for a visit. Almost every day of every week she would welcome you at her dining room table for a visit. Mom loved to ask questions about who, what, when and where and never missed a beat on the latest news and politics. Her calendar was full, and she was very grateful for the time spent with family and friends.

Mom also had a career with adult continuing education and then went on to work with Clarity Child Guidance Center where she retired after twenty-five years.

Mom was also a very devoted parishioner of St John the Evangelist Catholic Church and never missed a Saturday or Sunday mass. However, when the time came that mom could no longer attend in person, her dear friend and confidant Libby Roussin would bring her communion as well as keep her tuned in to what was going on at the church and all the neighborhood gossip.

Special thanks and love to Sylvia, Sulema and Susie for taking care of and loving our mother. Also, to cousin Vicky for her love and support when mom needed to get to an appointment and always being there for her. And to our family friend Vicky for all the medical care and love for our mom. You are all angels walking among us.

Belle is survived by her sister, Rosie and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; her children: Linda Solano, Carol Carver, Lorraine Williams (Kevin) and William Bird (Tina); her 16 grandchildren: Samuel Solano, James Solano, Victoria Solano (Daniel), Alex Pena (Vanessa), Michael Pena (Jen),  Errin Cardenas, Xavier Cardenas (Mariel), Robert Carver III (Tiffany), Jordan Williams (Marissa), Zachary Williams, Michelle Williams, Shawn Williams, Billy Bird, Timothy Bird (Hannah), Scout Cappello (Christina), Aaron Cappello; her 20 great-grandchildren: Madelyn Solano, Samuel Solano, Devin Solano; Mason Solano, Ethan Silva, Easton Silva, Emma Silva, Triston Pena, Taylor Pena, Madison Pricer, Ana Cardenas, Mia Cardenas, Hayden Carver, Dakota Carver, Liam Carver, Noa Carver, Miles Carver, Grant Williams, Willis Bird and Audrina Dubose, and our little girl to arrive in September.

Mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, and friend. Mom rest in peace, we will miss you immensely.

MEMORIAL SERVICES

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Gathering of Family and Friends will begin at 5:30pm

Rosary to be recited at 7:00pm

The Angelus Funeral Home Chapel

1119 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78215

Friday, August 16, 2024

Mass will be offered at 9:00 a.m.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church

4603 St. John's Way, San Antonio, TX 78212

Followed by a procession to

San Fernando Cemetery No.2 for graveside services