Bauer, Lorena Frances Bird Cundiff

Lorena Frances Bird Cundiff Bauer was born in Giles County, Va. on April 24, 1921, and she died on November 12, 2007 in Salem, Va.

Frances was the wife of Woodrow Cundiff (1938 to 1941) and Thafield Bauer (1945 to 1993). Frances’ parents, David Andrew Bird and Effie Marie Sands, were married on November 12, 1912. Frances was the third of a family of eight children, seven surviving until adulthood. She was the last remaining child of a family that lasted exactly 95 years. David and Effie’s children were Pearl Payne, Roy Bird, Willie Link, Frances Bauer, Pauline Brown, Paul Bird (died in infancy), Betty Rilling and Molly Brown.

Frances is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Ronnie and Gloria Cundiff of Salem and David and Debbie Bauer of Roanoke; four grandchildren, Shannon Cundiff, Paula Leonard, Katharine and Emily Bauer; and six greatgrandchildren. Frances is also survived by three very special nieces that helped care for her through her final days. Our family will always be very grateful to Judy Reed, Glenda Link and Jackie Robertson, our ladies of mercy.

Frances’ life was defined by service; service to her family, service to her church and service to the disabled veterans. Moreover, she maintained a home that became a refuge for the kids in her neighborhood and her nieces and nephews. Her house was always open, there was always something good to eat, and you were always welcome. Her goodness and love are well reflected in the lives of her children and grandchildren. The love that she gave and the love that she instilled will live on forever. This is truly a time to rejoice in her memory. She was a Christian and she will live forever with her Lord, Jesus Christ -reborn in a perfect body, far from the age and infirmities of this life, forever rejoicing in perfect peace at the Master’s feet. Do not grieve for her, but rejoice at her home-going, for she is now whole again.

She loved us when we could not love ourselves. She believed in us when we had no confidence of our own. She strengthened us when we felt we could not go on. We always wanted to be as good as she thought we were. It was our privilege and pleasure to serve her in her later years, doing for her as she had done for us.
Mama, we love you.
Ronnie and David

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at Lotz Roanoke Chapel with Pastor Timothy Anderson officiating. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at the funeral home. Arrangements by Lotz Funeral Home, Roanoke.