Barbara Bush

Barbara Bush portrait

Barbara Bush (June 8, 1925 – April 17, 2018) was an American First Lady of the United States and the wife of George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States. She served as First Lady from 1989 to 1993. Born Barbara Pierce in New York City, she grew up in Rye, New York. She met George H. W. Bush at the age of 16, and the couple married in 1945, while he was on leave from the United States Navy during World War II. Together, they had six children, including George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, and Jeb Bush, the former Governor of Florida.

Barbara Bush was known for her dedication to family literacy, founding the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989. The foundation focuses on improving literacy for both children and adults by fostering a love for reading and writing. Her commitment to literacy was inspired by her son Neil's dyslexia, and she spent much of her time in the White House and her post-First Lady years advocating for literacy programs, believing that literacy was the key to solving many societal problems.

In addition to her literacy efforts, Bush was known for her straightforward and approachable demeanor, often characterized by her white hair and her preference for wearing pearls. Her personal style and warmth helped her husband's public image by humanizing him. She was also known for her wit and her ability to speak candidly, traits that endeared her to the American public but sometimes caused controversy.

As First Lady, Barbara Bush focused on a number of social issues beyond literacy. She worked to bring attention to the AIDS crisis at a time when it was largely ignored by the political establishment. She visited AIDS patients and hugged children infected with the virus, helping to de-stigmatize the disease. She also supported the rights of the disabled, playing a role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

After leaving the White House, Barbara Bush continued to be an active public figure, supporting her husband's and sons' political careers while also continuing her work with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. She remained a beloved figure in American politics for her contributions to family and literacy, her public service, and her role as a matriarch of a political dynasty.

Barbara Bush passed away on April 17, 2018, at the age of 92. Her death was met with widespread mourning across the United States, reflecting her impact on the country both as First Lady and as a private citizen dedicated to public service.

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