Barbara Bush, the former first lady of the 41st President of the United States, passed away at 92. Barbara Bush, the matriarch of the Bush dynasty passed away in the comforts of her home in Houston, Texas. The cause of death is unreleased, but the former first lady’s health has been declining for some time. According to CNN, she was struggling with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure. The former first lady ceased in seeking medical treatment and had been hospitalized several times before her passing.

Barbara Bush was known for quick wit, sharp tongue, and her fierce ability to protect her family.

She was known for standing by the sides of her husband, George H.W. Bush, and son, George W. Bush, throughout their political and presidential career.

The woman behind history

A loving mother of six children - her daughter, Robin, passed away in 1953 from leukemia - devoted most of her time to raising her children. She and her husband had been married for 73 years, historically making the Bushes the longest married American presidential couple. Barbara Bush is the second woman in United States history to be a wife and a mother to a US president. Former first lady of the United States, Abigail Adams (wife of John Adams), was the first.

Barbara Bush was an independent thinker and often spoke her mind.

The former first lady founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, with the goal of helping disadvantaged Americans and improving their lives by increasing literacy among parents and children.

Mrs. Bush was also an advocate for women’s rights, which often clashed with Republican Party politics. Her views on topics such as abortion raised many Republican eyebrows, but she was firm in her beliefs.

She was also an advocate for a female president and firmly believed that one day there will be a woman president.

In 1990, an audience at Wellesley College, questioned her “credentials” to address female graduates who aspire for the workplace, she stated: “Somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow my footsteps and preside over the White House as the president’s spouse.

I wish him well.”

The first lady’s health conditions

In 1988, the former first lady was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. She underwent surgery for a perforated ulcer and went under the knife once more in 2009 when she had open heart surgery. Barbara Bush leaves behind her husband, George H.W. Bush and her four sons, her daughter, and 17 grandchildren.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED