Mary T. Bush

Rochester : November 22, 2022 at age 94. It is with deep sorrow that we share news of the passing of Dr. Mary T. Bush, Ph.D. Professor Emerita of History and Political Science Nazareth College. Mary was born on October 18, 1928.
Mary Teresa Ann Bush grew up on Rockingham Street in a three-story house where she spent summers reading mysteries and historical books and watching her older brother, Fred (he became a Roman Catholic priest and Pastor of the Holy Spirit parish in Penfield) play baseball with friends in the backyard. She grew up in Rochester's Blessed Sacrament Parish and attended Blessed Sacrament School. Her mother, Irene Toomy Bush, was a homemaker. Her father, Roy F. Bush, was a major player on the local political scene, including Monroe County Clerk and chairman of the Monroe County Democratic Committee. She always was interested in Presidential history, and she fondly remembered meeting President Truman on the Truman train when he rode through Rochester during his 1948 re-election campaign. A newspaper photographer snapped and published a picture of her presenting flowers to Mrs. Truman.
Her life was dedicated to her faith, supporting her Roman Catholic priest brother Fred, Nazareth College, her many cousins and relatives, and her close friends. She graduated with a B.A. from Nazareth College, an M.A. from Georgetown University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Ottawa. She began teaching history and political science at Nazareth College, beginning a career that would span seven administrations. Mary had many admirable characteristics; a demanding instructor, an encouraging mentor, a thoughtful leader that expected accountability, and a person of compassion that cared about everyone. She rose through the ranks to assistant professor, associate professor, professor, and professor emerita, in history and political science. She served as chair of the department, secretary of the College, coordinator of the American Studies Program, editor of the Nazareth College Catalog, assistant to the vice president for academic affairs.
In the classroom, she was known as a demanding instructor whose introductory remarks to students at the beginning of a semester included the warning: "This is one bush you won't beat around." Mention her name to a former student and the memories pour forth. "She was a good teacher but she was tough." "That lady obviously loves history to the point where it was entertaining that she enjoyed it so much." "Without her guidance I would not have gotten my degree." In addition to her encyclopedic knowledge of obscure historical facts, Mary supported and remembered her students long after they graduated. One remembers receiving a congratulatory note in the mail from her 20 years after he graduated.
Known for her bourbon balls at Christmastime, colored straw hats in the summer and white Reebok walking shoes throughout the year, Mary was a beloved character as well as a venerable member of the institution.
Mary also found time for community and volunteer work beyond the Nazareth campus. For over 50 years, she was involved with the Charles Settlement House, starting out as a day-camp counselor and Girl Scout leader, and eventually becoming a board member and board president. The Charles Settlement House, established in 1917, serves Rochester's northwest neighborhoods, including JOSANA, Edgerton, Dutchtown, Brown Square, Lyell-Otis, Maplewood and Charlotte. More than 3,000 individuals utilize its programs and services. In 2007, Mary received the Volunteer Leadership Award at the 90th Anniversary of the Charles Settlement House.
Mary will be greatly missed by the community as her family. Predeceased by her mother, Irene Toomey Bush, her father, Roy F. Bush and her brother, Reverend Fred Bush. Mary is survived by many loving cousins of the Bush, Toomey, Gleason, Ragan, Rogers, Beatty, Stonehill, Panus and Butler families.
Friends may call Friday, December 9 from 3-6PM at the funeral chapel (2305 Monroe Ave.). Friends are encouraged to bring a written memory or provide thoughts on the Anthony Funeral Chapel website (www.anthonychapels.com). A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 10, 10AM at St. Thomas More Church, 2617 East Avenue. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Nazareth College of Rochester 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618 and Charles Settlement House, The Community Place, Attn: Development, 57 Central Park, Rochester, NY 14605.