Maine mourns the death of Barbara Bush
Former First Lady Barbara Bush died Tuesday, April 17 after opting to discontinue treatment for congestive heart failure and pulmonary disease. The former first lady, who was 92 when she died, was nationally beloved for her iconic wit and the devotion shared between herself and her husband. Specifically, the first lady invigorated several Maine communities and institutions through both her philanthropy and her personality. Now, in the wake of her passing, these communities and organizations honor the legacy of Barbara P. Bush, which encompasses both her support of righteous causes and her unwavering vibrancy of spirit.
The Washington Post reported on a tribute paid to the Bush family near their favorite summer vacation getaway in Maine’s Kennebunk community. Some 200 Mainers and their dogs gathered at Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk to commemorate how the first lady had spent time at that beach, connecting with everyday people walking their dogs. Those at the tribute shared story after story of their personal encounters with the first lady, recalling that she used to walk her dog on the beach while accompanied by a few jovial secret service agents.
Barbara Bush will also be remembered by her charitable acts, seen through her support of children’s health in Maine, which is most prominently encapsulated in the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center. The former First Lady, a lifelong advocate for children’s issues such as literacy and the health, brought her passion to Maine through her family’s Children’s Hospital. Involved throughout its development, George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush were there to help open the hospital’s inpatient wing in 1998, and visited many times thereafter as well. Mrs. Bush enjoyed reading to the children during her visits. Most recently, Mrs. Bush had connected one on one with patients at the hospital, through video chat, about the hospital’s specialty license plate fundraising program. Mrs. Bush also enjoyed receiving birthday cards from the patients at the children’s hospital, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2015.
Of the hospital, Mrs. Bush said in 1995, “Children need and deserve the very best care possible, and they will find it here.” Her passion for children was consistent, and she also stated that “It is so very important to have a children’s hospital here in Maine,” and “Children are society’s most precious asset, and their care must be among our highest priorities.”
In a statement from the Maine Medical Center, President and CEO Rich Peterson paid tribute to the first lady, stating, “We all stood a little taller because of Mrs. Bush. Her unwavering support for children’s health and deep commitment to the hospital that bears her name moved many to share her passion and improve the health of our state’s youngest and most vulnerable patients.” Peterson continued, saying that “She connected with every child and family member she met during her many visits to The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. Many of those children have grown to be healthy adults and still treasure that connection. She was inspired by our care teams, and they were inspired by her passion and dedication. We will all definitely miss her greatly.”
The support from the Bush family has ultimately enabled the Maine Children’s Hospital to host more than 85 pediatric specialists providing care to almost 100,000 patient visits per year. The center, whose mission is to create a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for patients and families, benefitted greatly from Mrs. Bush’s rhetoric as well, which brought children’s health to forefront of the national outlook.
“Barbara Bush had a passion for improving the health and wellbeing of children everywhere. By lending her name to the hopital she helped elevate the importance of children’s health in the eyes of Mainers. She was a leader in every sense of the word and her passion and commitment will continue on in the hearts and the talents of the doctors and nurses who work and support this important mission,” Said a former Maine Medical Center trustee.
The first lady legacy was also honored at the University of New England (UNE). When vacationing at their summer home at Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport, the Bush family would often visit UNE’s Biddeford campus. Over time, the partnership between UNE and the Bush family grew robust, with George H.W. and Barbara Bush ultimately supporting programs such as the partnership between UNE and the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University. Further, the couple helped to create UNE’s George and Barbara Bush Center, a university hub with social spaces, study spots, outdoor terraces, informal dining and cafes, and a distinguished meeting venue in the President’s Board Room.
Most recently, George H.W. and Barbara Bush supported the continuation of UNE’s George and Barbara Bush Distinguished Lecture Series into perpetuity. These lectures compose an annual event honoring the legacy of the President and First Lady as community leaders. The events of the series this year included talks by Senator George Mitchell, Time Magazine editors Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy, former Bush speechwriter Christopher Buckley, and Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar.
“Mrs. Bush’s remarkable life will continue to inspire us.” He continued, “With her commitment to her family, her faith, and the causes she held dear, she exemplified the degree to which each of us is capable of making the world a better place,” Said UNE President James D. Herbert regarding the legacy of the first lady in a press release.
Overall, it is clear that Barbara P. Bush affected an indelible impact on the nation as a whole, and specifically on Maine institutions and communities which will continue to benefit from her warmth and generosity into perpetuity. In mourning, her husband, George H.W. Bush has been hositalized for his failing health. More updates to come as the story develops.
