Clarice Winfield Birdsall
Born in Hillsdale County, Michigan, May 8, 1906.
Spent her childhood on several farms in Mosherville, Michigan.
Attended elementary school at Mason District No. 3, Jackson County, Michigan.
Attended Hillsdale High School for three years, then graduated from Albion High School, Albion, Michigan.
Attended Western Michigan University for one year, then Albion College for three years, graduating in 1931 with an English major and a Home Economics minor.
First major job was during the Depression as an employee of the J. L. Hudson Co. at a salary of $12.00 per week. Worked for Hudson's for some ten years.
Married Wendell Birdsall in 1933, and had one child, a son. They were married for almost 60 years, until Wendell's death in 1992.
Taught briefly in Detroit public schools.
Entered the real estate profession and was an associate of Johnstone and Johnstone Realty, Grosse Piointe Farms, Michigan, for 35 years.
Was an active member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, receiving a 60-year service award in 1992.
Lived a number of years in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Was a long-standing and active member of Grosse Pointe Methodist Church, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.
In 1992 published her memoirs, Seven Generations of Twigs and Branches. The book was favorably reviewed by the Grosse Pointe News, the Hillsdale Daily News, and the Albion Recorder, among others.
Was recognized in 1993 by the Detroit City Council for her "long life of service to the Detroit community," and by Metropolitan Woman magazine as the first recipient of their Grande Dame award.
Resided at the Whittier in Detroit for several years until her death in 1995.
