Barbara Bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Barbara Bush
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First Lady of the United States | |
In office January 20, 1989 – January 20, 1993 |
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Preceded by | Nancy Reagan |
Succeeded by | Hillary Rodham Clinton |
Second Lady of the United States | |
In office January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989 |
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Preceded by | Joan Mondale |
Succeeded by | Marilyn Quayle |
Personal details | |
Born |
Barbara Pierce
June 8, 1925 New York City, New York, U.S. |
Died | April 17, 2018 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
(aged 92)
Resting place | George Bush Presidential Library, College Station, Texas, U.S. |
Spouse | George H. W. Bush |
Children | George W. Bush, Robin Bush, Jeb Bush, Neil Bush, Marvin Bush and Dorothy Bush Koch |
Parents | Marvin Pierce and Pauline Robinson |
Barbara Pierce Bush (born June 8, 1925 – died April 17, 2018) was an important American figure. She was the wife of George H. W. Bush, who was the 41st President of the United States. This made her the First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993.
Barbara Bush was also the mother of George W. Bush, who later became the 43rd U.S. President. Her other son, Jeb Bush, served as the 43rd Governor of Florida. Before becoming First Lady, she was the Second Lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989, when her husband was Vice President.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Barbara Bush was born in New York City, New York. Her parents were Pauline Robinson and Marvin Pierce. Sadly, her mother died in a car accident.
Barbara spent her early years in Rye, New York. She went to school there and later attended a boarding school called Ashley Hall in Charleston, South Carolina.
Meeting George H. W. Bush
Barbara met her future husband, George H. W. Bush, at a dance party. She was 17 years old at the time. George was a student at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts.
They got engaged just before George went to fight in World War II. He was a pilot in the United States Navy. George even named three of his airplanes after Barbara! They married on January 6, 1945, after he returned home for a short visit.
After the war, George graduated from Yale University. The couple then moved to Midland, Texas. In 1953, their daughter Robin sadly passed away from leukemia.
Barbara's Children
Barbara and George H. W. Bush had six children:
- George W. Bush (born July 6, 1946): He became the 43rd President of the United States and the 46th Governor of Texas.
- Pauline Robinson "Robin" Bush (December 20, 1949 - October 11, 1953): She died from leukemia.
- John Ellis "Jeb" Bush (born February 11, 1953): He became the 43rd Governor of Florida.
- Neil Mallon Bush (born January 22, 1955)
- Marvin Pierce Bush (born October 22, 1956)
- Dorothy Bush Koch (born August 18, 1959)
Life as First Lady
Barbara Bush became the First Lady of the United States when her husband, George H. W. Bush, became president in 1989. She served in this role until 1993.
As First Lady, Barbara Bush was known for her focus on literacy. She believed that everyone should have the chance to learn to read and write. She started the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy to help families read together. She also often brought her dog, Millie, to public events. Millie even "wrote" a book!
Later Life and Passing
After her husband's time as president, Barbara and George H. W. Bush moved to Houston, Texas. They also had a large home in Kennebunkport, Maine, where they spent their summers.
Barbara Bush continued to be active in public life. She supported many causes, especially those related to education and literacy. She was a beloved figure known for her straightforward manner and white hair.
In her later years, Barbara Bush faced some health challenges. She passed away on April 17, 2018, in Houston, at the age of 92. Her funeral was held at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston. She was buried at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas. Many important people, including former presidents and first ladies, attended her service.
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Barbara Bush para niños