Barbara Bush

Barbara Bush (née Pierce) was an American first lady, literacy advocate and philanthropist, as well as the wife of President George H. W. Bush and the mother of President George W. Bush. Barbara was raised in Rye, New York, and attended Ashley Hall boarding school in South Carolina before enrolling at Smith College. She left college after marrying George H. W. Bush in 1945, while he was serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

As her husband’s political career took them around the world, Barbara became a familiar figure on the campaign trail before serving as second lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989. She rose to national prominence during her years in the White House, where she championed family literacy and founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989.

In addition to her literacy work, Barbra authored several books, including Millie’s Book (1990) and Barbara Bush: A Memoir and Reflections (1994). She received numerous honors for her philanthropic efforts and remained active in public life after leaving Washington until her death.

Barbara and George H. W. Bush were wed for more than 73 years until her death, one of the longest presidential marriages in U.S. history. They had six children: George W. Bush (born in 1946), Robin Bush (born in 1949), Jeb Bush (born in 1953), Neil Bush (born in 1955), Marvin Bush (born in 1956) and Dorothy Bush Koch (born in 1959). Their daughter Robin died of leukemia in 1953 at age 3.

Barbara died on April 17, 2018, at age 92 after withdrawing treatment for congestive heart failure.