Irma (Staples) Bush

NORTH CANAAN — Irma (Staples) Bush of Geer Village passed from this life on March 15, 2012, at the age of 103, just weeks from her 104th birthday.She was the loving and devoted wife of Corey H. Bush for 52 years, who predeceased her.She was born in New Britain, Conn., in 1908 to Florence and Everet Staples.After an early childhood in New Britain she moved to Farmington, Conn., and lived in the home that was later to become known as the Gridley-Staples Homestead. Her father was a farmer and a mason by trade, giving her the life of a farm girl. She would later spend several years giving loving care to her parents in their old age.She was a member of the last class to graduate from Farmington High School in Unionville before it moved to its present location, on property that was once owned by her father.After many years in Farmington she and her husband moved to Avon. She later moved to Geer Village to be closer to her family, when it was determined that at age 95 she shouldn’t be driving anymore.Throughout her life she held many secretarial positions in insurance and doctors’ offices. She spent many years as church secretary and church historian at the First Church of Christ Congregational in Unionville, where she was still a member at the time of her death. She was a member for 90 years. She was also a founding member of the Francis Richards Club. Irma was an accomplished soprano singer/soloist having sung in many churches and choral societies. She was still singing at age 103 in the Geer Village Chorus, although she would say her voice wasn’t what it used to be.She was a dignified, sweet petite lady with a dry wit and was not afraid to say what she thought. One old friend would refer to her as “Mighty Mouse” She was a tough old Yankee and was adored by all who knew her.Irma is survived by her son, Corey J. Bush and his wife, Sharon, of East Canaan; her grandson, Travis G. Bush and his wife, Jenn Ooton, of Longmont Colo.; her granddaughter, Tracy A. Hayhurst and her husband, Dan, of Falls Village; two beautiful great-grandchildren, Beatrice and Baxter Hayhurst; a nephew, Everet Graham of Bristol, Conn., and his children, Scott, Joel and Laurie. In addition to her husband, Irma was predeceased by her sister, Rotha Graham; and a niece, Barbara Graham.A ceremony to celebrate her life will be held Sunday, April 22, the day of her 104th birthday, at the First Church of Christ Congregational in Norfolk at 2p.m. There will be no calling hours.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the minister’s discretionary fund at the First Church of Christ Congregational in Unionville; or the First Church of Christ Congregational in Norfolk.The Ahern Funeral Home in Unionville has charge of arrangements.

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