Irene Theresa Bush (nee O’Rourke), 93, passed away peacefully on Epiphany Sunday, January 6th, 2019 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Irene was born on September 1st, 1925 to John and Catherine O’Rourke in Brooklyn, New York. Her grandparents had emigrated from Ireland, but her parents were born and bred in Brooklyn. She was the youngest of nine children, and the most like her parents in her business acumen. Her father founded O’ROURKE AND SONS, a highly lucrative excavation firm. Irene served as secretary and general personal assistant at a young age.
Subsequently she ventured further afield: at a time when women did not leave home to work, Irene secured a secretarial position in the glamorous Empire State Building in Manhattan. She was modern in her thinking and fashionable in her dress!
On September 11th, 1948 Irene married Eugene Peter Bush, the only son of Peter and Mary Bush of Brooklyn. They had four children; initially they lived in Brooklyn, but changing times induced them to move to Congers in Rockland County, New York. Despite the demands of family life, Irene engaged successfully in several business pursuits from the import of fine English Bone China to the eventual appointment as Sales Manager at GENERAL BEARING INCORPORATED. Her eldest daughter, Ellen Mary Ingalls, died in 1985. Irene’s husband passed away five years later. Their only son, Eugene Peter Bush, died in 2010.
Irene is survived by her son-in-law, Stanley Ingalls, her daughter, Karen Hadden, and her daughter and son-in-law, Irene and Victor Blanchet. She leaves behind eight grandchildren: Megan Lafferty, Genevieve Howley, John Ingalls, Alexander Hadden, Victor Blanchet III, Elizabeth Blanchet, Eugene Bush III, and Matthew Bush. She was a great-grandmother seven times over.
Supported by family and friends (most especially, The Knapps, The Annases, The Malfas, and The Peters) in her later years, Irene was known for her immense generosity, her excellent culinary skills, her keen wit, and her sharp business sense. She can never be replaced; she will not be forgotten.
May She Rest In Peace.
Sandy Knapp (Longtime Friend)
January 6, 2019, 12:00 am
To The Bush, Ingalls, Hadden & Blanchet Families, It was pleasure and honor to have known and been a part of Irene's life for over 30 years. She was a part of my family. I will miss her greatly, but know that she is at peace. Please accept my sincere condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Always remember that death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Lili Da Silva (-)
January 7, 2019, 12:00 am
My deepest condolences and sympathies for your family's loss.
May cherished memories bring you moments of confort.
May she rest in peace.
Lourdes ESTAPÉ (.)
January 7, 2019, 12:00 am
My deepest condolences to Karen and Alexander HADDEN, and all family
Lester LeViness (Teacher of daughter Irene and Gene)
January 7, 2019, 12:00 am
Irene, I am sorry for your loss. I think about you and your friend-was it Bonanno. I was also sorry to have lost Gene. We ran into each other several times, but I have never run into you. I hope you and yours are well. Sincerely.
Debbie Peters (Friend)
January 8, 2019, 12:00 am
Family and Friends of Irene,
I am honored and blessed to have had the privilege of having Irene as a dear friend.
I admired Irene for her quick wit and common sense advice.
Her vivid and sometimes comical stories of her life will be greatly missed.
May your fond memories bring you comfort in this difficult time.
My heart and prayers go out to you.
Debbie Peters
Sandra (None)
January 8, 2019, 12:00 am
My condolences to the family. Please be comforted by the Bible's promise of the resurrection. John 5:28,29, Acts 24:15.