Social Scene Writer Mary Bird Dies at 81
By • October 24, 2024 18 2375
Longtime Washingtonian and exemplar of style Mary Bird died Oct. 23 at the age of 81 due to esophageal cancer. She spent her last days at her home on Cathedral Avenue and had the opportunity to say goodbye to close friends from her bed.
She told her visitors she was at peace and “ tying up loose ends.” Having fought cancer for more than a year, she joined in a toast to her life — which included her Georgetowner publisher and editor. “Wine hasn’t tasted good for six months,” she quipped and added, “I’m very grateful for my life and my friends.”
Mary Mendle Bird was born Dec. 10, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating from Miss Porter’s and Sarah Lawrence College, she began her career in Washington, D.C.
After 30 years at the State Department, she retired as the chief of Translating Division. Upon her retirement, Mary began a second career and joined The Georgetowner Newspaper, covering social events.
Mary is preceded in death by her loving husband, Collins Bird, a co-founder of the Georgetown Inn, and her parents, Roberta Pierce and Milton Mendle of St. Louis, Missouri.
Two weeks ago, Mary attended her last social event for the opening lunch of the Capitol Speakers Club, where she was honored.
“The whole St. John’s community will miss Mary,” the Rev. Virginia (Gini) Gerbasi, Rector of St. John’s Church Georgetown, told The Georgetowner. “Everyone knew and loved her. She had a rich, beautiful voice and an actor’s timing, which she used to great effect as a lector at the 11 a.m. service. And as a lover of all of God’s creatures, Mary was the driving force behind our yearly Blessing of the Animals service out on the lawn after church. Mary was an inspiring example of someone who used her true passions and gifts to serve the wider community — and she did it with great style!”
Mary’s dear friend, Jameson Freeman, vice president of the Arts Club of Washington and husband of choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess, wrote: “October is a month of transitions, and this particular one will be felt by all who knew and loved the great lady, and iconic Washingtonian, Mary Bird, who left her physical body today. It was a blessing to be with her always, and especially these last few weeks. … She loved dance and art and travel and social gatherings and animals. She will be remembered for her grace and wit, being a marvelous hostess, her diplomatic service and as a special friend.”
“Mary was wonderful to me and The Georgetowner,” said Georgetowner Publisher Sonya Bernhardt. “She and I met shortly after her retirement, and she quickly became our society editor. She was devoted to covering the events in Washington for 24 years.”
“We would always celebrate her and Gary Tischler’s birthday in December right after the last issue of the year. It signaled to us the kick off of the holidays. Last Thursday, Robert and I were lucky enough to raise a glass and toast her. We all reminisced with Mary and a few of her dear friends. Here’s to a social butterfly in heaven.”
A Service of Remembrance will be held 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown, 3240 O St. NW.
Mary ‘s birth year was 1942. She worked hard for each of those years and enjoyed every minute. That is the only reason I mention it to you. We were all better for having her in our lives. Thank you for the tribute.
Amen!
Thank you, Reggie.The article has been updated.
She will be missed. She did have the village presence.
Unfortunately, I will be out of town the 12th.
Few people lock in entirely to the moment they are with you, but Mary always did that, wherever she was, whatever she was doing, you were her focus, and with a smile. Rest with peace, dear lady. Georgetown is missing one of its bright lights without you.
So true. ❤️
Mary was a lovely lady and most interesting colleague covering the scene in Washington over many years. She will be much missed by all who knew her.
Mary will always be remembered for all her gracious kindness and thoughtfulness . Blessings!
May God Bless you my dear pewmate at St. John’s. I will miss you especially on Sundays.
For the past several years, Mary Bird has always been a cherished friend in my church community. She brought joy and light with her every time she entered the room. She always wore exquisite jewelry of exotic animals, and I always enjoyed her writings. She will be remembered as a creative and loving presence in Georgetown. She wrote a nice editorial for my book; Tales of Virtuous Stepmothers and I will share that piece with everyone here. “It takes great strength to share your personal feelings. Georgina Warren has made her readers richer by elegantly reworking the customary fairytale villainess into an object of admiration.”
– – Mary Bird, contributor, The Georgetowner, Washington DC
Long live Mary Bird!! We will never forget you…
How I’ll miss you , dearest friend!.
You were the personification of grace , beauty ,elegance , kindness and all that was good in the world.In my heart forever!
I’m sad I was not in town for our final goodbye.RIP darling Mary.
It was always lovely to be with Mary at many Washington events and for other gatherings and activities. I will miss seeing her.
You will be forever in my hear, dear Mary.
It was an honor to have known you and worked with you at the State Department, Mary. May you find your peace and everlasting life in His arms.
My best friend of over 30 years+, I love you and miss you much.
Fly high Lady Bird
Mary will always be remembered for her gracious kindness to her friends and community. We will miss her, but she will always remain in our prayers and our hearts forever.
Blessings
❤️❤️