Former US first lady Barbara Bush dies at 92

Babara was the matriarchal figure of a political dynasty that included two presidents – her husband George H.W. Bush and son George W. Bush.

Barbara got married to George Bush on January 6, 1945, they were married at the First Presbyterian Church in Rye, New York, with the reception being held at The Apawamis Club

George and Barbara Bush had six children and later14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Barbara Bush was the wife of George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, and served as the First Lady of the United States from 1989 – 1993.

She served as the Second Lady of the United States from 1981 – 1989. She was the mother of George W. Bush, the 43rd President, and Jeb Bush, the 43rd Governor of Florida.

Mrs Bush had been in failing health for some time and had declined further medical treatment. She said she wants to spend her last days in the comfort of her family.

A statement from the office of her husband described her as a relentless proponent of family literacy.

After her son Neil was diagnosed with dyslexia, she took an interest in literacy issues and began working with several different literacy organizations.

She spent much time researching and learning about the factors that contributed to illiteracy – she believed homelessness was also connected to illiteracy – and the efforts underway to combat both.

As the first lady, Mrs Bush went beyond the traditional role of a political spouse, founding the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy to help parents and children from disadvantaged communities to read and write.

She was a fierce advocate of civil rights and went against many of her husband’s Republican party supporters with her more liberal view on abortion and homosexuality.

She termed them private issues and should not be put up for debate.