NORWICH – Harriet Adelia Bush, 91, of Eric Street, Norwich, our beloved mother, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2008, at her home, surrounded by her family and friends.
Harriet was born in Sept. of 1916, the daughter of Nora (Frink) and Sherman Brown. She married Carl Ebin Bush on Nov. 7, 1931. Harriet was a family-oriented woman, giving much of her life to her children and grandchildren. She loved to quote prose from her bible, crocheting, and caring for her beloved animals. She took in many strays that found their way to her home. An avid cook, she made Sunday meals always a holiday, and loved the outdoors and gardening. Early in her life, Harriet was an avid horsewoman, and had a great love for dancing, winning many a dance contest. She enjoyed reading and puzzle books, and dining out was one of her greatest treats in later years. In her earlier years, she worked at the Norwich Knitting Mill and the Norwich Pharmacal Company. She also worked for a small town restaurant located on Rt. 12 South, the “Red Lantern,” which was owned and operated by Larry and Ruth Sayles. They were life-long friends and went to school together.
Harriet is survived by her three daughters: Adrienne Mullins and companion Robert Hansen of Norwich, Charlotte McNeal and husband Frank of Cortland, and Rethia Green of Richmond, Indiana. She is also survived by her grandchildren and their spouses: Adelia Mullins-Birtch and husband Michael Birtch, stationed in Hohenfels, Germany (A-Co 1st Mi); Pauline Gerchman of Norwich, Lisa and Mark Heider of Marathon, Denise McNeil of McGraw, Iraina Gerchman of Norwich, Andrea and Eliot Geathers of Sarver, Pa.; Karl Gerchman of Johnson City, James Bush of Norwich, David and Teresa Green of Fountain City, Ind., and Jerry Green of Richmond, Ind. Her great grandchildren also survive: Casondra and Cameron Birch of Norwich, Stephanie Burkett-Heider, Jessica and Michael Heider of Marathon, Alexis Blatcher of Norwich, Colt Dumond of McGraw, Alec Thomas Steers and Ethan Steers of Norwich, Roman Geathers and Jaden Geathers of Sarver, Pa., Sarah Green, Dakota Green, and Charlotte Green of Fountain City, Ind. Harriet was predeceased by her husband, Carl, on March 13, 1970; by her sons, Carl Bush Jr., Alvin Bush, and Alton Bush; by her daughter, Arletta Gerchman-Goodrich; and her sons-in-law, Reginald Gerchman and Jerry Green, Sr.
Funeral services for Harriet will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Ralph Hinman, pastor of the Bible Baptist Church of Norwich, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Friday from 6-8 p.m.
Our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend will be missed by all. She was the light of our lives and a treasure we will always behold. Please make contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815, in Harriet Bush’s name.