Martha Jane Bird

September 8, 1943 – June 6, 2026

Martha Jane "Jane" Bird, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, and community volunteer, passed away unexpectedly on June 6, 2026, at her home in Ventura, California. She was 82. Jane is survived by her husband, Lance Bird; her son, Lee Bird and wife Patricia; her brother, John Belcher; grandsons Lance Bird IV and wife Rebecca; Sean Bird and wife Kelly; and her extended family and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her

daughter, Elizabeth Bird Brandeen.

Born on September 8, 1943, in Hollywood, California, Jane was the daughter of Silva and Arthur Belcher. She grew up in La Cañada, California, where she attended local schools.

At age 19, Jane married the love of her life, Lance Bird. Together they built a remarkable partnership that lasted 63 years. Following Lance's graduation from architecture school at the University of California, Berkeley, the young couple moved east to Philadelphia, where Jane worked as an archivist for the University of Pennsylvania while Lance began his professional career.

Over the years, Jane and Lance lived in several cities across the country while raising their family. Jane devoted herself to her children, volunteered extensively in schools and community organizations, and became known for her warmth, energy, and ability to bring people together. During the Carter Administration, she served with Washington's Hospitality Information Service, helping welcome international visitors and embassy

families to the nation's capital.

After returning to Southern California, Jane became deeply involved with The Wellness Community in Pasadena, now the Cancer Support Community. Inspired by her mother's battle with cancer, she dedicated years of service to the organization and played a leading role in organizing the annual Angel Gala fundraising event.

Jane possessed a lifelong gift for creating beauty. Her impeccable eye for fashion, art, sculpture, interior design, cooking, and entertaining transformed ordinary moments into memorable experiences. Whether through the homes she created, the meals she prepared, or the gatherings she hosted, she expressed a rare combination of artistry, elegance, and hospitality.

When her children were grown, she founded Design Imports, an international import business specializing in art, jewelry, and handcrafted goods from around the world. In later

years she focused on fine silver jewelry from Mexico, frequently traveling to Taxco, a city she loved. Her clients valued not only her exceptional eye for design but also her warmth, enthusiasm, and the stories she shared from her travels.

Jane also loved the ocean. Family vacations often centered around the beach, including many cherished years on Balboa Island and later at the family's vacation home in Baja California.

Jane will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, generosity, creativity, impeccable sense of style, and deep love for family and friends. Whether through the welcoming homes she created, the fashions she wore, the treasures she discovered during her travels, or the countless relationships she nurtured, she left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

For all the beauty Jane created around her, the greatest love of her life was her family. Her husband, Lance, and her children, Lee and Elizabeth, were her constant source of pride, joy, sorrow, and purpose. More than any accomplishment, journey, or passion, the love she shared with them defined her life and remains her most enduring legacy.

In keeping with Jane's wishes, no formal memorial service will be held. Family and friends are encouraged to celebrate her life in their own meaningful ways.

Those wishing to honor Jane's memory may consider contributions to Cancer Support Community of San Gabriel Valley (link: Ways to Give – Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley) or the Jean Roth Driskel Scholarship Fund for architecture students

(link: https://connect.calfund.org/2023-redesign/jean-roth-driskel-scholarship-fund).