Colleen Barrett Bird Bishop (or Grandma BB to her grandchildren and great grandchildren) passed away September 12, 2020 in Nampa at the home of her oldest son Tim Bird Jr. where she has been lovingly cared for by Tim, his wife Linda and their children. Having her in their home provided an opportunity for her children and grandchildren to visit and help care for her. Colleen was born October 14, 1933 in St. Anthony, Idaho. She was the youngest of five and only daughter of Alta Leona Lee and Albert Barrett. At the young age of 8, her mother died very suddenly, and she went to live with her aunt and uncle Flora and Charles Davenport in Parker, Idaho. She enjoyed living with her "sister cousins" and was grateful for her aunt and uncle's generosity in taking her into their home. She was incredibly grateful for the opportunity they gave her to take piano lessons and develop her musical talents and for the emphasis of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their home. She loved growing up in Parker. The grade school there was one of her fondest memories. She went on to and graduated from St. Anthony High School. She loved school and was a voracious reader her entire life. She also loved singing. She was part of many singing groups through out her life. She met Tillman Harris Bird (Tim) and married him in Parker, Idaho. They were married for 47 years until Tim's passing. They had and raised 6 children together. They lived in Teton briefly after they were married then moved to St Anthony, Idaho. They moved to Eagle, Idaho in 1971. They lived there until moving to Meridian 1977. All 6 of their children graduated from Meridian High school. In 1984 they moved to Boise. They loved the State of Idaho and spent a lot of time outdoors all over the state and at their cabin in Cascade until Tim's death in 1999. She married Gerald Bishop in 2000. She and Jerry enjoyed traveling together. She had breast cancer while they were married, and Jerry took wonderful care of her during her battle. They spent many loving years together. Colleen's greatest joy and accomplishment was her children and grandchildren. She felt being a mother was her greatest calling. Having a close relationship with her children was important to her. She loved spending time with her family. Nothing was more important then family. She often commented that once she married Tim and had kids she finally "had" a family. While her children were small and at home, she taught piano lessons and had a kindergarten in her home (in St Anthony and Eagle). In 1975 she went to school at Links School of Business. After she graduated, she began working for the Department of health and welfare. She was part of a group that helped get the first federal funds for substance abuse treatment and DUI services. That was the beginning of a long passion working in the field of addiction. She was instrumental in opening and then ran one of the first alcohol/drug detox's in Boise. She ran the ARC (alcohol recovery center) residential services at one point. She was visionary in starting the first long term residential treatment program for women and their children in Idaho called Gemhaven. . She didn't want mothers to have to choose between treatment and raising their children She wanted a haven for women within the Gem state. During this time, she and her staff were able to receive a federal grant specifically for treating women with addictions. It was the first awarded in the Northwest. During the late 1980's Tim and Colleen started Alta (after her mom) services which focused on DUI education and outpatient treatment. Colleen's work in addiction touched many and changed their lives. Colleen had a special ability of making everyone she talked to or interacted with important and cared about. She championed the little guy all her life. She instinctively knew when people were needing support. She had official and unofficial foster children or "adopted" family members. She is survived by her husband Gerald Bishop; sons: Tim (Linda) Bird of Nampa, Bret (Monica) Bird of Meridian and Stacy (Tracy) Bird of Boise; and daughters: Shauna (Gerald) Edgar of Layton, UT, Michele (Kent) Fife of Erda, UT and Lesa (Chuck) McConnel of Nampa. She was preceded in death by her beloved Tim; all her siblings: and parents; Charles McConnel, a son-in-law; and grandson Nathan Edgar. She will be greatly missed but her impact will be felt for generations. In Colleen's memory sing a song, read a book, smell a flower, go for a walk, tell a joke, or eat some chocolate (with nuts of course). These are all things she loved. Colleen loved helping women in crisis. Those wishing to can donate in her name to Women and Children's Alliance at 720 W Washington St., Boise, ID 83702 or at wcaboise.org. Please indicate that the donation is in the name of Colleen Bird Bishop in the comments. Funeral Services will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, September 19 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 18463 Northside Blvd, Nampa. A viewing will be held from 7:00 to 8:30 PM Friday, September 18, at The Church and again from 9 to 9:45 AM prior to the services. Burial will take place in Dry Creek Cemetery following services. Please be mindful of social distancing and the wearing of masks. To keep the numbers down the services will be for family only but the viewings will be open to all of the friends and family who would like to attend.
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