Mary Joan Nielson Bird

Mary Joan Nielson Bird passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026 in Delta, Utah. She was born on November 16, 1932 in Leamington, Utah to Peter Eldon and Wanda Jane Anderson Nielson. Joan was the eldest of 6 children: Otto Eldon “Bud”, Inez, Roger, Gayl and Wade. During Joan’s earliest years, she lived in Fool Creek Flat, but later moved to Leamington to attend school. She married Don Richard Bird on July 8, 1950, and became the proud mother of 4 children: Richard, Russell, Jacquie and Julie.

Joan kept strong ties to Leamington throughout the years, and remained very interested in what was going on there. She compiled a book on the history of Leamington, of which she was immensely proud. Joan also took painting lessons from her good friend, Verdene Rawlinson, and produced a number of oil and water color paintings. Other interests were filling in at the numerous Bridge Clubs in Delta, assembling recipes and cookbooks, gardening (extremely proud of her lawn and yard) and family trips to Lake Powell.

Joan was also an accomplished seamstress and sewed for many in the community as well as making quilts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader and had a special interest in history and other cultures, with a special emphasis on Utah history and the LDS church. In her younger years, she was very involved in band, cheer, and all activities in high school. She had many good friends from her days playing in and traveling with the band.

Additionally, Joan enjoyed recalling stories of her family life in Leamington and sharing them at every gathering, traveling in their motorhome with good friends, and taking trips to see her children and grandchildren as well as various parts of the world.

Joan is survived by son: Russell Bird, Tucson, Arizona; daughters: Jacquie (Art) Lofgreen, Mesa, Arizona; Julie (Ron) Damron, Wellington, Florida; 6 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; brothers: Roger and Wade Nielson; and sister: Gayl Petersen. She is preceded in death by her husband: Don; son: Richard; brother: Bud; and sister: Inez.

A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, May 28, at 11:00 am, at the Delta City Cemetery. A Viewing will be held at the Nickle Mortuary, 190 South Center Street, 9:30–10:40 am, before traveling to the cemetery. Those unable to attend in person may view the recorded video of the service. Link will be posted with her obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com following conclusion of the service.