Columba Bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Columba Bush
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Bush in 2018
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| First Lady of Florida | |
| In role January 5, 1999 – January 2, 2007 |
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| Governor | Jeb Bush |
| Preceded by | Anne Selph |
| Succeeded by | Carole Crist |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Columba Garnica Gallo
August 17, 1953 León, Guanajuato, Mexico |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3, including George |
Columba Bush (born August 17, 1953) is a Mexican-American person known for her good works. She is married to Jeb Bush, who was the Governor of Florida. Because of this, she was the First Lady of Florida from 1999 to 2007.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Columba Garnica Gallo was born in a place called Arperos, in León, Guanajuato, Mexico. Her parents were José María Garnica Rodríguez and Josefina Gallo Esquivel. Her father worked as a waiter.
When Columba was three years old, her father moved to the United States. Her parents later divorced in 1963. Columba and her mother stayed in León.
Columba went to a private Catholic school in León called Instituto Antonia Mayllen.
Meeting Jeb Bush
In 1970, Columba met Jeb Bush in León. She was 16 and he was 17. Jeb was helping to build a school and teaching English. He was there as part of a school program.
Columba and Jeb got married on February 23, 1974. Their wedding was in Austin, Texas. When they got married, Columba did not speak English. Part of their wedding ceremony was in Spanish.
First Lady of Florida
As the First Lady of Florida, Columba Bush worked on many important projects. She often stayed out of politics. She focused on helping people and improving things for children.
Promoting the Arts
Columba Bush really loves art. In 1999, she helped start a program called Arts for Life!. This program helps make art more important in schools. She wanted all students to have a chance to learn about art.
She also organized art shows while she was First Lady. These shows featured famous artists like Salvador Dalí, Diego Rivera, and Frida Kahlo. She also showed art from artists in Florida.
Helping Others
Columba Bush worked on programs that help people with challenges. She visited places that help people. She also looked at reports about young people who needed help. She helped connect people who wanted to donate money with charities that needed it.
In 2003, she traveled to Rome. She was part of a group celebrating Pope John Paul II's 25th year as Pope. This was a very special event at St. Peter's Basilica.
Personal Life
Columba Bush is known for being a quiet person. She likes to keep her life private. Before she married Jeb Bush, she wanted a calm and simple life.
Columba and her husband live in Coral Gables, Florida. Her mother and sister live nearby in the Miami area.
Children and Grandchildren
Columba and Jeb have three children. Their names are George Prescott Bush, Noelle Lucila Bush, and John Ellis "Jeb" Bush Jr.
Their oldest son, George, went to Rice University. He also became a lawyer. He has worked as an officer in the United States Navy Reserve. He also served as the Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office.
Columba Bush has four grandchildren. Two are from her son George, and two are from her son Jeb Jr.
Columba also has two older brothers and one sister.
Faith
Columba Bush is a Roman Catholic. She is a member of a group called Regnum Christi. In 2007, she went to a Regnum Christi meeting in Atlanta with her husband.
See also
In Spanish: Columba Bush para niños
