Barbara Pierce Bush (1925-2018) was an American philanthropist and public figure who served as First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993 during her husband George H. W. Bush's presidency, and as Second Lady from 1981 to 1989. Born in New York City to Marvin Pierce, a magazine publisher, and Pauline Robinson Pierce, she grew up in Rye, New York, meeting her future husband at a dance in 1941 when she was 16. They married in 1945 after his World War II service and had six children, including George W. Bush, the 43rd U.S. President, and Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida. After moving to Texas in 1948, she focused on family life while volunteering with organizations like the YMCA, United Way, and cancer research initiatives, supporting her husband's political career. As First Lady, she cultivated a warm, grandmotherly image and became known for her advocacy in literacy and family values, founding the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989. Her tenure was marked by high approval ratings, though she occasionally drew criticism for blunt comments on social issues. Post-White House, she continued her literacy work until her death at age 92. Along with Abigail Adams, she remains one of only two women to be both the wife and mother of U.S. Presidents.