Hannah E. “Betsy” Bird, 82 of Valparaiso passed away peacefully Saturday, February 18, 2023 at her adopted home in Hawai’i. She was born March 12, 1940 in Chicago to Earl & Mary (Maybaum) Platts. Betsy was a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and did post-graduate work with Catholic Campus Ministry. Her 23 year career with Valparaiso University as a Counselor, and as a Campus Minister at Thunder House/St. Teresa until her retirement in 1995 saw her rewarded as an Honorary Alumnus by V.U. She also enjoyed serving as a Teacher’s Aid at the Porter County Career Center.
On April 24, 1965 she married Charles E. “Skip” Bird who preceded her in death in 2011. Survivors include their daughters; Mary Anna Bird Matern of Chesterton & Patricia Elizabeth Bird (Chuck Gessert) of Hawaii, brother David Platts, grandchildren; Sydney Spillers, Logan Spillers & Blake Spillers. She was also preceded in death by her parents as well as her siblings Patricia Belaschky and Henry Platts and son in law Daniel Matern.
A visitation will be held May 8, 2023 at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso from 1 – 3 pm with urn burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to her daughters Mary A. Bird Matern and Patricia Bird.
GUESTBOOK
Ma-Betsy Hannah Bird, An angel on earth returned home Saturday, February 18, 2023, to be with her love, Charles Skip Bird, the ultimate humorist-second only to Mark Twain. Together they are reunited, helping God bring smiles to a weary world. Heaven is a better place because of this teaming up of Guardian angels showering love upon us all. Two big-hearted giving mentors who touched and improved so many lives on earth, now angels, and in my eyes saints that I will look to and pray to for guidance, inspiration and God’s peace, love and wisdom. They are survived by two amazingly gifted, talented and loving daughters, Mary and Patty Bird, both following in their parents' footsteps making a difference in the world-evident in their raising as Mother and Aunt to three equally amazing grandchildren who were the sparkle in Betsy’s eyes. She will continue to watch over her family and friends as she always did on earth and now in heaven. Ma-Betsy Hannah Bird, you have been an inspiration and a gift to this world. I will forever be grateful and blessed to have been a small part of your family, and my mind will forever be branded with loving memories of you all. Thank you for making a difference in my life. I promise to strive to do the same for others in your memory. I will always Love You More!!! -Tom “Junior” Burke & Family
RIP Betsy! -Jano Bartelmo
May you know the joy and comfort of our Lord God in these moments. Treasured memories of both Betsy and Skip, and I am personally grateful for their investment in my formative years at Valpo High. ~Brian Sinclair, VHS '79
Our condolences prayers are with Your family and friends, -Mary, Kathy, Georgiefski
