FORMER FIRST LADY BARBARA BUSH, CHAMPION OF LITERACY CAUSES, DIES AT 92

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By Miriam Raftery

April 17, 2018 (San Diego) – Former first lady Barbara Bush died today in her Houston home at age 92.  Wife of George H.W. Bush and mother of George W. Bush, she is only the second woman in history (after Abigail Adams) to have both a son and husband who served as president.

She was also a staunch advocate for literacy in her own right, founding the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literary that has donated over $40 million for over 1,500 literacy programs across the nation. “Focusing on the family is the best place to start to make this country more literate, and I still feel that being more literate will help us solve so many of the other problems facing our society,” she has stated. 

She also wrote two children’s books, C. Fred’s Story and Millie’s Book, both stories narrated by her family’s dogs, with proceeds benefitting literacy charities. Her passion for literacy causes stemmed in part from her son Neil, who was diagnosed with dyslexia, a reading disorder.

In addition, she published two memoirs, Barbara Bush: A Memoir and Reflections, Life After the White House.

Her death occurred two days after her family announced she was in declining health and receiving comfort care, after deciding not to return to a hospital for treatment of chronic pulmonary and cardiac conditions.

Born Barbara Pierce, a descendent of 19th century President Franklin Pierce and daughter of publishing magnate Marvin, she met her future husband at a dance when she was 16.  They became engaged a year and a half later, but they were separated by World War II.  A Navy torpedo bomber pilot, George H.W. Bush named his three fighter planes after Barbara.

The couple married in 1945 and had six children, with George W. Bush the oldest. They ultimately settled in Houston, becoming a political power couple as George H.W. Bush rose through the ranks, chairing the county and later national Republican committees. He served as ambassador to the United Nations and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency before serving as Vice President under Ronald Reagan and president from 1989 to 1993. 

Congressman Darrell Issa (R-San Diego) issued a statement praising Mrs. Bush for her “unassailable legacy of public service,” instrumental in her husband’s success as a Congressman Vice President and President as well as “an inspirational figure in her own right. Her wit and good counsel will be celebrated and remembered for many years to come.”

Charlotte Hays, director of cultural programs at Independent Women’s Forum, praised Mrs. Bush as “universally admired for her forthrightness and ability to put people at ease.  Despite her aristocratic origins, Mrs. Bush was unpretentious, and her country loved her for it,” she added. “She made no pretenses about her trademark fake pearls and delighted in the `America’s grandmother’ image conferred by her mane of white hair.’”

Her husband of 73 years has frequently credited Barbara for his successes and her wisdom, calling her the “Silver Fox.” 

President Donald Trump and his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, issued a statement praising Barbara Bush as an “advocate of the American family,” specifically crediting her recognition of literacy as a “fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection.”  The couple extended thoughts and prayers for the family and friends of Mrs. Bush.

Ironically, Barbara Bush’s sometimes acerbic remarks including criticism of Trump during the 2016 primary campaign, when he was running against her son, Jeb Bush. ON CBS’s This Morning show, she stated, “I don’t know how women can vote for someone who said what he said about Megyn Kelly,” after Trump infamously referred to the Fox News anchorwoman as having “blood coming out of her wherever” following tough questions in a presidential debate. 

Mrs. Bush also criticized Trump’s close relation with Russian president Vladimir Putin, stating, “Putin has endorsed him, for heaven’s sake. Putin the killer, Putin the worst. That’s an endorsement you don’t want.”

She once famously faulted Democratic vice presidential nominee Geraldine Ferraro, as a name that “rhymes with rich.” 

Always independent minded, she at times voiced opinions contrary to her husband on issues of women’s rights, drawing admiration for her honesty and forthright style.  She also supported civil rights.  Mrs. Bush admitted to battling depression at times, and drew admiration from many women for refusing to dye her hair or resort to plastic surgery to look more youthful, apparently comfortable in her matronly and motherly image. 

In 1988, she wrote, ““I want to be known as a wife, a mother, a grandmother.  That’s what I am. And I’d like to be known as someone who really cared about people and worked very, very hard to make America more literate.”

She is survived by her husband, George H.W. Bush, five of their children, 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday in Houston; First Lady Melania Trump has indicated that she will attend.


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