Natalie (Ciuffredo) Bird

Natalie (Ciuffredo) Bird, 86, a dedicated mother, gram, great grandmother, sister, and friend passed away surrounded by the ones she loved Monday April 12th, 2021 in her home.
Natalie was born and raised in Worcester, one of nine children of Italian immigrants Pasquale and Angelina Ciuffredo. In 1952, Natalie married Francis R. “Franny” Bird and began a 58-year love affair of family, faith, and dedication, until Franny left her side on December 19, 2010. She continued to live in the family home they built off Massasoit Road until her passing. Natalie worked more than 20 years for the Goretti Family at their markets in Millbury and Worcester until retiring.
She is survived by the family she cherished; five children, Debra McDonald of Oxford, Francis “Skip” Bird and his wife Michele of Lakeville, Kathleen “Kathy” Blanchard and her husband Emile of Worcester, Richard Bird and his wife Kristine, and Tina Gelineau all of Oxford; a brother, Francis “Babe” Ciuffredo of West Boylston; two sisters, Rose Erikson, and Eva Atchue both of Worcester; 16 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. In addition to her parents and husband “Franny”, three brothers, Anthony “Jifty”, Domenic “Tommy” and Michael Ciufreddo, two sisters, Fanny Maenzo and Mary Sheard, and two sons in law, David Gelineau in 2015 and James McDonald this past June all predeceased her.
Natalie a devoted Catholic who always helped her children, grandchildren, and others with her guidance, was a lifelong dedicated member, of St Stephen’s Church. Her husband, children, and grandchildren always came first in her life no matter what. She was the backbone of the family and remained devoted to them, especially her “beautiful grandchildren, who lovingly called her Gram and great grandchildren who called her Gigi”. Natalie was a beautiful person who enjoyed simple pleasures of life; like spending time with family and friends, cooking for family dinners when all were around her, vacations at Old Orchard beach yearly, dancing with Franny and the “Gang” at the Tuttle Post in Auburn on Friday nights, traveling, and reading. Natalie truly believed that faith, family, and friends were the most important parts of life and she had room in her heart for everyone she met. She was very generous with her love, time, and resources, and helped anyone she could. Her unwavering faith kept her grounded and helped her through life's challenges. Her passing leaves a hole in our family but her loving and caring soul will not be forgotten.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Thursday, April 15th, 2021 from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral will be held Friday, April 16th from the funeral home, departing at 10:15 am in procession to St Roch’s Church, 332 Main St. Oxford, where her celebration of christen burial Mass will be held at 11:00 am. Burial next to her Love, Franny will follow in North Cemetery, Oxford. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to CHASA, Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association, 4101 W. Green Oaks, Suite 305-149, Arlington, TX 76016. The family would like to thank the VNA nurses from Southern Worcester County, for the care, comfort and compassion they gave to our mother.