Patricia “Chirpie” Branch Birdsall of Gloucester, Va., joined the heavenly chorus on October 2, 2024. Born and raised in Franklin, Va., she is preceded in death by her parents, Lemual and Virginia Branch. Chirpie was a proud graduate of the University of Virginia nursing program, wife to Dr. David Birdsall, and mother to David Jr. (Connie) and Kathy (Andy). She was an active mentor and cheering section of her three grandchildren, Jessica Conner, Janice Whitley (Keith), and Patricia Wooden (Derek) and five great-grandchildren, Olivia, Brenton, Ellie, Bayleigh, and Brian. A lifelong proponent of keeping busy, Chirpie taught her children numerous life skills including showing horses and ponies, water skiing, boating, and seeing the glass always half full. After the ponies came dogs and a lifelong passion for black and tan coonhounds and the community surrounding them. She and “Doc” won ribbons and championships around the country while supporting the sport as volunteers and mentors for numerous handlers and clubs. Many of their vast number of trips were aided by longtime friend and unofficially adopted son, Curtis Peace. Chirpie always made a point to keep in contact with long distance family and friends with scheduled phone calls and little notes in the mail. Her desire to ensure no one ever felt forgotten and love for Burleigh Farm and everyone associated with it was unmatched (including orphaned raccoons, squirrels, and an especially fat cat that all confidently chose and trusted her). While we are greatly saddened by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that she is reunited with many friends and every good dog that ever had the privilege of loving her.
A memorial service was held at Abington Episcopal Church on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 1417 Gloucester, Va. 23061, or the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society, P.O. Box 385, Gloucester, Va. 23061.
Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.