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Barbara Bush
Barbara Bush portrait.jpg
First Lady of the United States
In office
January 20, 1989 – January 20, 1993
Preceded by Nancy Reagan
Succeeded by Hillary Rodham Clinton
Second Lady of the United States
In office
January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989
Preceded by Joan Mondale
Succeeded by Marilyn Quayle
Personal details
Born
Barbara Pierce

(1925-06-08)June 8, 1925
New York City, New York, U.S.
Died April 17, 2018(2018-04-17) (aged 92)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
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.

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:

Life as First Lady

China-room-1991-millie
Bush with children and White House staff in the China Room. The first lady is trying to make a paw print of her pet Millie for a holiday card.

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

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Barbara Bush para niños

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