Fierce. Feisty. Tough. Witty. Classy. A force of nature. Those are just a few of the accolades being attributed to former First Lady Barbara Bush, who passed away on Tuesday.
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The wife of former President George H.W. Bush and the mother of former President George W. Bush, Barbara Bush had been suffering a series of heart and respiratory health issues for several years. On Sunday, she told the world of her decision to forego further medical treatment for her ailments and to enter comfort care — signaling the last stages of life. No one knew the end would come less than 48 hours later.
Now, Barbara Bush is being remembered today by former presidents, celebrities, and dignitaries from across the political spectrum for her dignity and for her strong dedication to her family.
In a statement released on Tuesday, her oldest son, former President George W. Bush, said the family was saddened by her death, “but our souls are settled because we know hers was.”
“Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end,” he said. “I’m a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother.”
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama called Barbara Bush “the rock of a family dedicated to public service.”
“We’ll always be grateful to Mrs. Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House,” they said, “but we’re even more grateful for the way she lived her life – as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit.”
Former President Clinton recalled her as “a remarkable woman.”
“Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman. She had grit & grace, brains & beauty. She was fierce & feisty in support of her family & friends, her country & her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell paid tribute to Mrs. Bush’s “renowned toughness and steely resolve.”
“But what really defined Barbara’s life was her deep love for her lucky husband George, for her family, and for the country,” he said.
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called Bush “a fierce patriot and a bold advocate for family literacy.”
“Mrs. Bush brought dignity, civility, and spirit to everything she did. Her strength of character, the strength of her principles, and the strength of her faith were a great gift to our nation,” she said.
“She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well,” said the Trump’s.
Mark McKinnon, a top campaign advisor to George W. Bush, called her “one bad ass force of nature.”
“Look out Archangels, there’s a new hall monitor!” he wrote on Twitter.
“I sat next to her [Sarah Palin] once, thought she was beautiful. And I think she’s very happy in Alaska. And I hope she’ll stay there.” – Barbara Bush
Her younger son, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, expressed thanks for “the outpouring of love and support” in recent days.
“I’m exceptionally privileged,” he said, “to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush.”
Barbara Bush was 92 years old. She and former President George H.W. Bush were married for 73 years.
Well done DJ, in your fine tribute to such a fine woman – an exceptional human-being. Of the many well-deserved accolades being attributed to her, Bill summed it up beautifully: “Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman. She had grit & grace, brains & beauty. She was fierce & feisty in support of her family & friends, her country & her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like.” – Bill and Hillary Clinton Among Mrs. Bush’s many fine qualities she never sought the spotlight. She strove simply to do “right” in accordance with her faith. She cherished her faith, family, friends and country. She demonstrated, by the way she lived her life, her total awareness, understanding and acceptance of this inspiration: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the… Read more »