Patti Lou Bird Wood 69 of Bradenton Florida passed away peacefully at home on January 24th 2026 after a courageous 8 year battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

Born in Atlanta Georgia on January 2, 1957 to Pollie Hoss Bird and Collins Bird. After her parents divorce she grew up in Bradenton with her Mother and spent summers with her Father in Washington DC. Those frequent trips sparked Patti’s sense of adventure and love of travel.

 Eager to follow her passion and begin her career in hairstyling Patti earned a GED from Manatee High School while attending Manatee County Vocational Technical School where she graduated and received her Florida State Cosmetology License. She worked at Regis Hairstyling, then took to the sea as crew on Norwegian Cruise Lines working as a hairstylist.

Returning stateside she managed Hairlines Salon before launching her very own salon, Shear Madness. With a young family at home she eventually decided to downsize. She opened Off 5th Avenue in the cottage at their property on Riverview Blvd where she balanced a busy work and home life. During that time her young daughter was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata.

Patti then refocused her career and studied the treatment of Alopecia to help her daughter. As with everything Patti did, she gave it 100% becoming a nationally ranked Certified Trichologist, eventually teaching and training others at a national level. Her deepest joy came from helping others with her unique talent as a hairstylist and Trichologist. She touched countless lives of women and men suffering from Alopecia as well as cancer patients in treatment experiencing the devastating side effect of hair loss. Over the years she was active with various civic associations and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. Patti retired in 2022 as the progression of PSP took hold and prevented her from continuing to work.

She cherished her husband of 32 years Farrell and if asked, she’d say her proudest accomplishment were their two children. As well as being an avid traveler she enjoyed fishing and boating with her family along with all things Florida. A superb hostess she loved entertaining at home, dinner parties especially. Patti was an animal lover extraordinaire, dogs and cats were well loved members of the family. Her heart was huge and her spirit beyond generous, if anyone she knew was in distress she was always there to help and she championed the underdog always.

 You are and always will be loved…to the Moon and back...

Patti is survived by her husband Farrell, children Carli and Tristan, sister Linda and her mother Pollie. She was preceded in death by her father Collins and sister Martha.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday February 12th from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Griffith-Cline Funeral Home 720 Manatee Ave. Bradenton FL. A reception will be held afterward at their home.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to CurePSP thru NORD National Organization for Rare Disorders.