Irene Corenza Bush

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.On Sunday, January 26, 2003, Irene Corenza Saunders Bush, born April 20, 1918, the fourth child of the late Joseph William Saunders and Marguerite Macbeth Saunders, left us to be with our Heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by her sisters Marguerite S. Carroll, Althea S. Cornish; brother, Orlando L. Saunders, and her beloved husband, George P. Bush, Jr.From the time she was born, she was a faithful attendee of the Perkins Square Baptist Church and was baptized at an early age. In her younger years she served as Librarian, Teacher of kindergarten and Assistant Secretary in the Sunday school. In 1930, the Sunday school organized a choir of young children of which she was one. She remained active with this choir until it was disbanded in December of 1991. At that time, she was the only original member.She was one of the charter members of the Sanctuary Choir formed in 1961 to sing for the eight o’clock services. Later, she joined the Mass Choir and was faithful and active with it until it was disbanded in August 1996.Irene attended Douglass High School and graduated in 1936. Afterwards, she attended vocational school and completed courses in Cosmetology and Business. When the Tubman House dormitory was completed at Morgan State College, she was the first licensed Beautician and Manager.During World War II, she worked at Edgewood Arsenal and Western Electric. When the war ended, she married her childhood sweetheart George Paul Bush, Jr. From this union, two children were born: Allan Gregory Bush and Theresa Barbara Bush Wallace.Irene loved to travel, and had many hobbies including gardening, crocheting, embroidering, leather craft, cross-stitch, needlepoint, petit point, and sewing. She also enjoyed making decorations for the various seasons for her home and loved giving some of her handwork to relatives and close friends.Mourning Mrs. Bush’s loss are: her devoted son, Allan G. Bush; daughter, Theresa B. Wallace; grandchildren Naima C. and Corey A. Wallace; daughter-in-law, Ola B. Bush; son-in-law, Alvin T. Wallace; sister-in-law, M. Marguerite Hicks; nephew, Howard Lee Cornish, Jr.; niece, Shirley E. Carroll Parker; seven step grandchildren, twenty-two step great-grandchildren, four step great-great grandchildren; other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and a host of friends.Oh, Mother, dear, when you were here,We had your tender care;And none can ever take your place,Or fill that vacant chair,You were the sunlight of our homeTill God took you away;But we never will forget you,And we’ll meet in Heaven, we pray.The Family

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Irene Corenza Bush

April 20, 1918 - January 26, 2003