Born in Zurich Switzerland in December 1925 Gretel was orphaned at birth and at the age of 18 "happily" left her homeland to travel the world. Early work included nursing in London and Governess for Count and Countess Matarazzo of Naples, Italy which was a very cherished time of her life.
Fluent in German, Italian and English, Gretel arrived in New York in 1954 on the SS United States having arranged a sponsor and a job with Mr. & Mrs. Robert Johnson of 1155 Park Avenue and Johnsontown Road, Sloatsburg.
In 1955 Gretel was introduced to Harrison at his grandmother's homestead "The Farm", the 18th Century house which New York interior designer and family friend Clare Johnson had restored. Married in July 1956 Gretel and Harrison were active members of St. Francis Church until its deconsecration in the late 1970s when it became the Sloatsburg Publc Library. St. Francis Church was a long standing spiritual haven for Gretel and her family. Gretel enjoyed reading aloud daily spiritual reflections to her family. Gretel became a US citizen early in the life of her family. One would be hard-pressed to find a more patriotic American. Gretel supported numerous veteran charities and the American flag was always flying proudly from her patio and gardens.
Gretel will be remembered as generous of spirit, a talented gardener, decorator, baker and her ongoing acts of kindness to people and animals. Gretel is survived by her husband of 63 years Harrison O. Bush, Jr. descendant of the Sloat family, a daughter Elizabeth Schmidt of New Rochelle, a son Peter of Tuxedo, NY and her "adopted" son Dennis Trotter also of Tuxedo.
A celebration of the life of Gretel Bush will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 65 Washington Avenue, Suffern, NY, 10901 Saturday, February 9, 2019, 10 a.m. In the event of extreme weather service will be on February 16.
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