Houston is in mourning today. America is in mourning. The world is in mourning over the loss of former First Lady Barbara Bush, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92.
Her death comes after the announcement on Sunday that she would no longer seek medical care for her health issues. She leaves behind her husband of more than 70 years, former President George H.W. Bush, and six children, including former President George W. Bush.
Among those that knew her well included former Bush 41 Press Secretary Peter Roussel, who told KTRH about the first time he met her in 1969.
“I was calling her Mrs. Bush, and she stopped me and told her to call her Barb,” Roussel said.
Robert Caltabiano was on the Bush protection detail when he was in the Secret Service, and told KTRH Mrs. Bush went out of her way to get to know him, and the other agents on her detail.
“She’s the glue that holds the family together. She held us together as agents. She wanted to know how you were doing, and how your family was doing,” Caltabiano said.
Mrs. Bush had a passion for helping others, which Harris County Judge Ed Emmett says she continued long after leaving Washington.
“Maybe it was the people that came through St. Martin’s or the literacy projects that she’s run,” he stated.
Those projects included the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. Julie Finck is the President of that foundation and told KTRH News Mrs. Bush was involved heavily in community events.
“She’s been out reading with children and she’s done PSA’s that I am sure people have seen with J.J. Watt,” Finck said.
Among those reacting to Mrs. Bush's passing include Governor Abbott, who said in a statement "Her selfless devotion to service defines the inspiring legacy Barbara has left behind. Her impact on Texas and our nation will forever be treasured.”
Mrs. Bush will be remembered in an invitation only memorial service on Saturday