Diane Cato-Birds

Diane Cato-Birds, daughter of the late Rudolph Cato and the late Flecia Parker, departed this life and was called home on June 18, 2018. Diane was born on December 15, 1962 in Brooklyn, New York. She was the youngest of four children; a brother and sister preceding her in death leaving a brother to treasure her memory.

At the age of 12, Diane relocated to Albany, NY with her adopted mother, Ada Jackson (deceased). She attended Livingston Middle School and graduated from Albany High School. After graduating she enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the reserves for 6 years where she earned Marksman Badges for hand grenade and M16 rifle. Diane obtained an Associate's Degree from Albany Business College, worked at Progressive Insurance Company and later became a caregiver.

In 2014 Diane was united in marriage with her long-time paramour Ivan Birds. Diane remained in Albany surrounded by those she loved most, her children and grandchildren and husband. Last summer Diane was diagnosed with liver cancer and she was determined to fight. She said, "If it's God's will, I will beat this!" Diane fought long and hard but God saw Diane's suffering and that the work He commissioned her to do was complete and He called His sweet angel home to be with Him in Glory on that Monday afternoon.

Diane was known as a wonderful mother, grandmother, devoted wife, niece, sister and friend. Her heart was so big and she opened that heart to anyone in her presence with a need. She was a peacemaker, comforter and problem solver with a special knack for all things electronic. Diane enjoyed family time, having fun playing board games especially pokeno, cards including rummy and Old School music. Two of her favorite past times were talking and shopping. Most of all Diane loved God and all those that knew her could feel her Divine spirit.

Diane is survived by and leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Ivan Birds, daughters Lenear Cato and Natasha Jackson, grandchildren Javion Walker and Najaai Johnson all of Albany, NY, one brother Rudolph (Leslie) Cato of Marlboro, NJ, beloved aunts Eloise Whethers and Olivia Booker both of Albany, NY, and Dorothy Carrington of Durham, NC, a god-sister Wanda Banks of East Stroudsburg, PA, beloved nieces and nephews Janiene Fredericks, DeJuan Cato, Tanzania McLeod all of Albany, NY close cousins Schmelle (Shawn) Murray of Albany, NY and David Johnson of Uniondale, NY "adopted sisters" Thelma Little, Leslie Holt and Doris "Jean" Burks all of Albany, NY, very special friends Celeste Philpot and Nicole Graham also both of Albany, NY and a host of other aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends all of whom will miss her greatly.

Homegoing Celebration To Be Held, Friday, June 29, 2018 at 11:00am, Sojourner Truth AME Zion Church
351 Livingston Avenue, Albany, New York 12206. Calling hours will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Burial will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Rev. Rita Renee Hollinshed, Pastor Rev. Robert E. Linder, Officiant