ANNE-MARIE ARAPOFF BIRD

Anne-Marie Arapoff Bird of Pittsford passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026. She was the loving wife of Robert Bird of Pittsford, NY and they enjoyed sixty-six years of marriage before her passing. Anne-Marie was born on January 6, 1931 in Everett, Massachusetts. The first of six children born to Catharene Green Arapoff and noted European artist, Alexis Paul Arapoff, Anne-Marie spent her childhood in Cambridge and Scituate, Massachusetts. Her father died when she was seventeen, and the family moved to Quincy, Massachusetts, where Anne-Marie graduated from high school.

Anne-Marie’s professional journey was marked by dedication, excellence, and tireless energy. She graduated from the Massachusetts General Hospital nursing program and continued her career specializing in medical aseptic techniques at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore. After a brief cross-country trip and a nursing position in Berkeley, CA, Anne-Marie returned to Boston to work as the head nurse at the Boston Lying-in Hospital, one of the nation’s first maternity hospitals designed to care for women unable to afford in-home medical care. At the same time, she initiated the opening of the student clinic at Emmanuel College, Boston.

It was also at this time that Anne-Marie met her future husband, Bob, upon his return from Notre Dame University and they were married in 1959. Bob and Anne-Marie moved to Fairport, NY where Anne-Marie pursued various interests as an active member of the Weavers Guild and Fiber Arts of Rochester while raising her two children. Some of her most cherished memories were spent enjoying the beauty of Keuka Lake with her family each summer.

Anne-Marie is survived by her loving husband, Robert, sons Robert (Brenna) of Dexter, IA and Terry (Skye) of Pittsford, NY; and her grandchildren Alexandra and Iain of Pittsford, NY, Becket of Dexter, IA, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers Peter, Paul, and John Arapoff and her sisters Catharene Arapoff Struve and Mary Arapoff McEwen.

Anne-Marie was a devout and observant Catholic, and her faith was a lifelong comfort to her. To the last, her mind was as clear as ever, her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and her faith was deep, despite her physical suffering. Thank you to all of her caregivers at the Highlands of Pittsford and the Friendly Home as your kindness and care were a source of comfort during a difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to one of Anne-Marie’s most loved charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, .501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. [Donate Online]

Family and friends may assemble Friday, April 17^th at 1pm at St. Louis Church, Pittsford, NY 14534 for Anne-Marie’s mass of Christian burial. Entombment is private at Whitehaven Cemetery, Pittsford, NY.