Mrs. G. K. Birge Dies in Paris Apartment
Services for Philanthropist and Widow of Industrialist to Be Held Here.

The Buffalo Evening News November 3, 1932

Mrs. George K. Birge Click on illustration for larger size

Word of the death Wednesday in Paris of Mrs. George K. Birge, 79, of 25 Richmond Avenue, native Buffalonian and widow of the late George K. Birge, one of the leading figures in the Pan-American exposition of 1901, was received here Wednesday by friends. Death followed an illness of several years.

Failing rapidly during the last week, Mrs. Birge died in her apartment at 26 Avenue Foch. With her at the time of her death were Miss Caroline M. Birge, her granddaughter, Miss Humphrey Birge, daughter-in-law, and Mr. and Mrs. Langdon B. Wood, all of Buffalo.

Prior to returning the body to this country for burial, funeral services sere to be held Thursday in the Avenue Foch apartment, where Mrs. Birge lived when she was not in Monte Carlo, and where, because of her failing health, she spent most of her time during the last six years.

Services Planned in Home

Services in Buffalo will be held in the family home in the Circle and burial will be in the Birge mausoleum in Forest Lawn cemetery Mrs. Birge, who was known both as a philanthropist and as a patron of the arts, had spent very little time in Buffalo during recent years. Following the death of her husband in 1918, she established homes in Palm Springs, and Pasadena, California., where she lived until going abroad.

Mrs. Birge was the daughter of James M. Humphrey and Adeline Bowen of Buffalo, and before her marriage was Miss Carrie Humphrey. She was born in Buffalo Nov. 5, 1853, and was married to Mr. Birge on Sept. 5, 1878. Mr. Birge conducted a wall paper manufacturing plant under his name and was engaged in numerous other enterprises. He was one of a group of leading citizens who fostered the Pan-American exposition.

Aided University Here

The University of Buffalo is one of many Buffalo organizations which have benefited from Mrs. Birge's gifts. Her philanthropy extended to many fields. The Buffalo General hospital, the Children's hospital and the Millard Fillmore hospital also benefited from her gifts. In Pasadena she built and endowed an addition to the Dr. Barlow clinic for the treatment of tuberculosis.

Students and artists also received Mrs. Birge's aid. She had a wide knowledge of art, literature, and music. The magnificent home in the Circle is a repository for many rare treasures.

In addition to these philanthropies, Mrs. Birge was interested in the French war funds. Following the World war, she did much to aid widows and orphans of France.

Mrs. Birge is survived by one son. Humphrey Birge, who is president of the M. H. Birge & Sons Wall Paper company, and seven grandchildren. Mr. Wood is vice president of the Buffalo concern.