Mary Lynn (Stonehouse) Bird

In loving memory … 

Mary Lynn Bird, née Stonehouse, left us Monday evening, August 18, 2025 in Princeton, BC at the age of 84.

The youngest of four from a Manitoba farming family, Mom was a prairie girl at heart despite most of her life spent in British Columbia. Born in Reston, MB, April 8, 1941 to Fred and Mary Stonehouse with older siblings, Laurie, Eleanor and Fred.

Mom met her first husband, Jens William (Bill) Sorenson, who worked in the local Bank of Montreal branch and was a friend of her brother Fred. On June 25, 1960, Mom and Dad married. After high school, Mom took clerical training in Brandon, MB and with that training spent many years working for Boy Scouts of British Columbia and the New Vista Society (health and housing). On April 27, 1985, Mom married Kenneth (Ken) Bird and that same year moved to Princeton, BC, where they bought and operated the Happy Hut convenience store and bottle depot, living in the residence behind it. Wanting more home space, Mom and Ken bought their home on Billiter Avenue. Over time in that neighbourhood, many new friends were made, some like family to her. Mom looked out for them, and when it became time, they looked out for her.

Mom and Ken, quite the campers and fishers, towed their Bigfoot trailer anywhere and everywhere the road conditions would allow and fish were to be caught (Ken was quite the cook and baker). Mom was a book lover and family member visits often meant a day trip to Penticton for lunch, and a visit to the iconic “The Book Shop.” If each of us was not hauling a bunch of books home, then what was the point of driving to Penticton.

Being involved in local activities and groups was important to both Mom and Ken as that contributed to and bettered the community and the people they loved and cared for. After selling the “Happy Hut,” Mom took care of Ken as he started his own health battles; and when Ken passed in 2000, Mom spent time serving at numerous flu and baby immunization clinics with the Princeton Hospital Auxiliary, and on the PCS (The Princeton Community Services Centre) board serving as secretary and as treasurer.

Mom had made a tradition of Christmas in Manitoba with family after Ken’s passing; and made efforts to attend important events and milestone celebrations. Mom was a sucker for murder mystery books, but Mom’s real passion was quilting. There is not likely a household in the family that does not possess at least one from Mom. Mom’s design, techniques, and workmanship were amazing. Active in Princeton’s Bunchgrass Quilters group, Mom helped make baby quilts for each child born at Princeton General Hospital. 531 quilts as of 2022 as well as numerous warming quilts for seniors. As many know, Mom walked almost everyday after her move to the Billiter home, chances would have been that on any of those walks there would have been at least one chat with someone she knows.

Mom had three children, Dennis, Lindsay and Kristen; and five stepchildren, Frank, Gary, Bryan, Christine and Shirley. Mom chose to have no service and her ashes are to be scattered with Ken. Mom was a supporter of the Hospital Auxiliary, and we would suggest that in lieu of flowers or cards, a donation to this organization would honour Mom.

We love you Mom!