Holly T. Bird(ba) joined the ancestors just before midnight on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. She transitioned enveloped in the love of her family and a friend. Her journey began knowing she was loved as fiercely as she shared her love to everyone, and to the world. A sacred fire was lit and burned for four days in preparation for her journey home.

She entered the world on Dec. 3, 1969 in Wayne County, Michigan, and rarely stopped smiling for her 55 years on earth. In her youth, she attended Interlochen Arts Academy where her creative and artistic soul thrived. Her travels would take her to Chicago, Oregon, East Lansing and on a wild tour following the Grateful Dead. Traverse City was her home base and she was thrilled to arrive back home to raise her family.

Her passion for justice was armed with an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and a law degree from DePaul Law School. Her unwavering moral compass compelled her to work for the Earth, at-risk children, Water Protectors at Standing Rock, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, those targeted by racial and indigenous injustice, and so many others. She believed in the power of community and the power of love.

She was many things: lawyer, tribal judge, advocate for the underserved and most at risk, TCAPS School Board Trustee, human rights activist particularly in the areas of indigenous rights, environmental concerns, and safety of women and children. She was a mediator, warrior for justice, educator, and leader. A primary role of hers was Water Protector. She dedicated much of her time to educating young people about water as a gift from creation; A gift for which we are accountable. She helped to teach the importance of our relationship with the water. She led and shielded other water protectors while lobbying for legislative change, insisting on truth-telling throughout.

She was proud of her work supporting our school aged children. As a trustee she served on the curriculum, finance, and sustainability committees during her time on the TCAPS board. She was a great champion for the district, actively leading and supporting numerous causes for the greater good of the region (many highlighting DEI) which will provide lasting impact for years to come.

She served as Vice President of the board for the Grand Traverse Area Children's Garden helping to teach children the joys of gardening through roots-to-mouth programming with an emphasis on healthy living, well-being, and caretaking for the earth. Her passions encompassed the mission of The Children's Garden, a 25 year-old non-profit, founded by her mother.

As the Michigan Title Track organization Co-Executive Director, and founding board member, she served their mission to support clean water, racial equity, and youth empowerment. Her love for this good work radiated in all aspects of her life.

She was also a founding member of Northern Michigan's UpNorth Anti-Racism Taskforce, E3, calling local law enforcement and the community into accountability around race, power, and privilege following the murder of George Floyd.

Most recently she joined the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities as Clean Energy Specialist building upon her expertise and passion for environmental justice and transformation.

Also a gifted artist, she shared her talents of painting and dancing every season at events and annual celebrations throughout the state.

She was an indigenous leader; her own tribal roots included Apache, Yaqui, Pueblo and Perépucha. She was a member of the Thunder Clan and raised her children with strong relationships with their heritage, community, and customs.

She made it apparent to all, how her tradition called all of us to an accountable relationship with the water, the earth, and certainly, one another.

Her loss has been felt deeply and will expand in the coming months, but her legacy even more so. Were she here, she would smile that irrepressible smile and offer "I'm fine. You will be too. Now, get to work!"

She is survived by her beloved children, Sonny Haworth, Will Bird Haworth, and Annabella Thompson; father, Richard Kuschell; siblings David, Andre, Dyanna, Sarah, and Emily Kuschell, and Alicia Tenorio; husband, Percy Bird; beloved nieces and nephews, Lauren, Ian, Mia, Giavanna, and Talula Kuschell, Charlie Light, and Joseph Masak as well as Mark Haworth and Jeff Thompson.

She now dances with those who came before including her beloved mother, Susan Moore Kuschell, and grandparents, Richard and Betty Kuschell.

The family is deeply appreciative of the waves of love sent to her and to her family throughout these recent weeks, days, and hours. Chi Miigwech.

A celebration of her life will take place on Sunday, May 18 at 1 pm at Milliken Auditorium (1701 East Front Street, Traverse City), all are welcome. Cards may be sent to the family at 500 Webster St, Traverse City, MI 49686

It was her wish, in leiu of flowers, that contributions be made in her honor to three organizations to which she dedicated her life: Title Track, The Children's Garden, and Northern MI E3. If you feel called, please use the following link to make a single donation that will be split evenly between these three 501c3 non-profits.

https://titletrackmichigan.org/hollytbirdmemorial