Obituary of Mary Bush
Mary Bush, a loving mother and dedicated artist, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 with her family by her side. Born and raised in Westfield, NJ, Mary resided in Warren since 1962. She was the daughter of Peter Louis Bavosa and Laura Maria (Petruzzell) Bavosa.
Mary attended Westfield High School and continued her education at Berkeley College where she received her first degree. With her strong desire to pursue her great love of art, she attended duCret School of Art after raising her family. There she majored in Fine and Commercial Arts, graduating cum Laude in 1977. This laid the foundation for her distinguished career.
Mary began her career as an art instructor at various Catholic schools. Her longest teaching position was at Saint Joseph’s School in North Plainfield, where she worked for over 25 years until the school closed. Mary was a gifted artist and was loved by all of her colleagues and students. She received the honor of Educator of the Year in 1994. Through the years, Mary was a private art instructor to children and adults, and also enjoyed designing her own greeting cards. As a result, she started her own stationery business, Shades of Expression Designs, in 2012, along with her two daughters and her cherished granddaughter, Mira. Her greeting cards and products have been sold in retail stores and online throughout the entire country. One of her greatest joys is bringing happiness to others through her love of art. Her beautiful artwork fills the homes of her family, as well as being featured in private collections. In addition to her artistic career, she was the owner of Bush Bros. Trucking for over 40 years, which operates to this day.
A devout Catholic, Mary’s faith was a very important part of her life. She attended Mass weekly and always made sure to live her life in faith. Mary is beloved by her family and friends because of her loving, caring, and generous nature.
Mary showed her love for her family by providing her home cooked meals every Tuesday for her children and their families. With her passion for education, and a special interest in Grammar, she was always available to help her grandchildren with homework and school projects. She also enjoyed keeping up to date with the latest political news, and was hoping for the world to become a better place. Finding inspiration from life, Mary would be seen drawing a new picture everyday. She loved playing the piano, riding her bike, and listening to her favorite musical artist, Chuck Berry. Mary also loved the Jersey Shore, especially spending summers there with her family. Mary’s love, kindness, and compassion will be with us and in our hearts forever.
Predeceased by her loving husband, George Bush, in 2002, she is survived by her four children, Melinda Bush, Amanda (John) Dwyer, Loren (Cristina) Bush, and Brendan (Christine) Bush; and six grandchildren, Mira (Hemang), Clayton, Landon, Harrison, Grace, and Katelyn.
Visitation in her honor will be held on Sunday, July 9, from 4 PM to 6 PM at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A Mass will follow on Monday at 11 AM at St Mary’s Stony Hill Church, 225 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069, with an interment at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey.
