Jillian Renee Birdman

46, passed away peacefully at her family home in Tucson on Monday, August 17, 2015 after a resurgent illness. She was surrounded by her loving parents, Marilyn and Steve Birdman, Auntie Bonnie and Uncle Kent Knieps, and longtime family friend and caregiver Trysh Scott. She received excellent support from the hospice staff at Casa de Los Luz. Jill was born on December 9, 1968 in Los Angeles, CA. Her family moved to Tucson in 1980 and fell in love with the Catalina Foothills and beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Jill graduated from Amphitheater High School in 1987 and studied at Pima Community College. Jill, or "Auntie Jill," as she was affectionately known, loved and cared for the children around her. She took great pride and joy in her many nieces, nephews, and younger cousins. Family was everything to Jill and her unending love for all those around her is her greatest legacy. Jill loved animals, especially dogs. She volunteered frequently at the Humane Society and wanted to ensure that all pets were well taken care. She loved and cared for her dog, Sassy, as she did the children in her life. Jill is survived by her parents; brother, Michael M. Birdman (Marissa Gautsch); sister, Janeen Randolph (Rick); nieces, Amanda, Ashley Dawn, Ashley Nicole, Jessica, and Mackenzie; nephews Alexander and Ryan, and great-nieces, Madison and Khloe. The extended family who made up the nucleus of Jill's life include Steve Brier, Julie List, Jennie Brier, Kat Hindmand, Andrea Knieps, Roger Baker, Kristi Knieps (Beth Wigley), and Matthew Gentry. The family will forgo a memorial service at this time. Plans for a celebration of Jill's life are in the works for later in the year. The family requests that memorial gifts in memory of Jill Birdman be donated to her favorite charity: Humane Society of Southern Arizona In Memory of Jill Birdman, 3450 North Kelvin Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85716. Arrangements by DESERT ROSE, HEATHER MORTUARY.