Barbara Bush

Barbara Bush. Barbara Pierce Bush was the First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993 as the wife of the 41st president, George H. W. Bush. Renowned for her advocacy for family literacy, she was a popular and influential figure who later became the second woman in American history, after Abigail Adams, to be both the wife and mother of a U.S. president. Her plainspoken style and commitment to volunteerism defined her public life.

Early life and education

Barbara Pierce was born in the Flushing neighborhood of New York City to Marvin Pierce, a future president of the McCalls Corporation, and Pauline Robinson Pierce. She spent her childhood in the suburban town of Rye, New York, and attended the private Rye Country Day School. At age sixteen, she met her future husband, George H. W. Bush, at a Christmas dance in Greenwich, Connecticut. She later pursued higher education at the prestigious Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, but left during her sophomore year after the attack on Pearl Harbor and her engagement to Bush, who was then a naval aviator.

Marriage and family

Barbara Pierce married George H. W. Bush on January 6, 1945, at the First Presbyterian Church in Greenwich, Connecticut, while he was on leave from the United States Navy. The couple moved to Texas after World War II, where George entered the oil business. They had six children: future presidents George W. Bush and Jeb Bush, Robin (who died of leukemia in 1953), Neil Bush, Marvin Bush, and Dorothy Bush Koch. The family lived in various locations, including Midland, Texas, and Houston, as George's political career advanced through roles like Director of Central Intelligence and Vice President of the United States.

First Lady of the United States

As First Lady, Barbara Bush championed the cause of family literacy, founding the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989. She authored the best-selling book Millie's Book, narrated from the perspective of the family's English Springer Spaniel, with proceeds benefiting her literacy foundation. She was a highly visible advocate during her husband's presidency, known for her self-deprecating humor and signature pearls. She also used her platform to show support for people with HIV/AIDS and visited shelters for the homeless, notably the Grand Rapids-based God's Kitchen. Her popularity often rivaled that of her husband, as measured by Gallup polls.

Post–White House years and advocacy

Following the 1992 election, the Bushes retired to Houston, dividing time with their summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine, at Walker's Point. Barbara remained a formidable public figure, continuing her work with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and supporting the Mercy Ships organization. She was a prominent supporter of her sons' political careers, particularly during the 2000 and 2004 campaigns of George W. Bush. She published her memoirs, Barbara Bush: A Memoir, in 1994 and remained active in Republican circles, though she occasionally expressed independent political opinions.

Death and legacy

Barbara Bush died on April 17, 2018, at her home in Houston from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. Her funeral was held at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, with eulogies delivered by her son, historian Jon Meacham, and former Canadian prime minister Brian Mulroney. She was interred at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas, alongside her daughter Robin. Her legacy is anchored in her transformative literacy advocacy, her role as a matriarch of a political dynasty, and her enduring image as a candid and compassionate national figure. The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in Portland, Maine, stands as a testament to her philanthropic impact.

Category:American philanthropists Category:First Ladies of the United States Category:Presidential spouses