Nan Baird, 89

Nan Baird, age 89, passed away on Oct. 19, 2021, due to complications from pneumonia. She died peacefully with her sister-in-law, Margaret Baird, at her bedside.

Nan was born Aug. 2, 1932, in Los Angeles to Alva Clarence and Mattie Morris Baird, both born in Montana.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her brothers, William Thomas Baird, and Thomas Alva Baird, and her nephew, Thomas Matthew Baird.

Despite the challenges of autism, Nan became an accomplished pianist and watercolor artist. Having also trained in accordion and swimming, Nan mastered needlework, from cross-stitch to crochet. The Exceptional Children’s Foundation in Los Angeles, founded in 1946 by her parents and others, provided many of Nan’s opportunities. She loved church programs, traveling, dining out, shopping, and watching her favorite shows, Lawrence Welk and Animal Planet. Independent, assertive, funny, direct, and honest, Nan had a mind for dates and details of the family tree that frequently surpassed everyone else's. She was particularly fond of dogs and cats and regularly asked after our family pets, often concerned to know how they were feeling, particularly at times when other family members had passed away.

For the record, our pets are grieving her loss but are also joining us in celebrating Nan’s wonderful and loving life.

Our entire family is especially grateful for the kind care Nan received in recent years from the staff at Prestige Assisted Living, Expressions, and more recently at Brendan House.

Nan is survived by her nieces Susan Baird, and Maria Baird; her nephews, Tom Baird, Rob Baird, and John Baird; her sister-in-law Margaret Baird; and her five grand nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome a donation in Nan’s honor to one of these charities: Humane Society of Northwest Montana, https://humanesocietypets.com, (406) 752-7297 or Exceptional Children’s Foundation, https://www.ecf.net/donate/, (310) 204-3300.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.