Charolette Bush Stevenson

We honor our Mother for the unfailing love, support and encouragement she has shown us. And by her ever present unconditional love may we strive to follow her wonderful example in our own lives.

Charlotte enjoyed a wonderful childhood growing up in Old Town and often told stories of the fun times the family had growing up in a house full of six kids where there was always something going on. In the summer the whole family including the dog would pack up and go to the Maine Coast or the Belgrade Lakes area where her Dad's work as a chef took them. When the children were young there were summer camps to attend and later on there was employment for them in the dining rooms of various hotels.

Charlotte graduated from Old Town High School, class of 1940, and that same year married Melvin Bush of Milford. Three days after they married he left his new bride to serve his country in World War II. She did not see him again for four years. While Melvin was away Charlotte attended Beal Business College and took secretarial courses.

After Melvin returned from the war he and Charlotte made their home in Old Town and started their family. In addition to being a busy Mother of four Charlotte also was very active in the community. She belonged to numerous clubs and was very committed to her beloved Old Town United Methodist Church which she joined in 1939. She taught Sunday School, was a member of the United Methodist Women's Club and The Eva Benson Circle. She attended The United Methodist Maine Conference as a Representative and served as a Delegate for two years. She also served as Lay Leader for several years at the Old Town church. She was a member and Past Matron of Katahdin Chapter 121 Order of the Eastern Star.

Charlotte was a secretary for various administrators in the Physical Education Department at Lengyel Hall University of Maine. After Melvin's death in 1978 and her retirement from the University she worked as church secretary at Old Town United Methodist Church. She loved her job at the church and regularly treated the Rev. Curtis to chocolate donuts in the morning.

Charlotte remarried in 1989 to Richard J. Stevenson and lived happily in Veazie for the next 18 years. Both she and Richard enjoyed Eastern Star & Shriner's Clubs and trips with the YMCA.

In her later years she enjoyed knitting, quilting and visiting with friends. She especially enjoyed her fireside chats with the new friends she made while living at Winterberry Height's and also appreciated the kind attention of the staff that assisted her while she was there.

Charlotte loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. More than anything she loved the special times spent together on holidays when we could all be together. She loved doing for others and bringing sunshine into the lives of all she knew. We will always remember her beautiful smile and miss her beyond words.

Charlotte is survived by her daughter, Christy Zaenger and husband, Martin, of Winterport; two sons and their wives, Thomas and Janet Bush of Rochester, N.H., and Christopher and Tabitha Bush of Polk, Iowa; son-in-law, John Trafford of Portland; grandchildren, Jami Cass of Littleton, Martin Zaenger IV and his wife, Debra, of San Diego, Thomas Bush and Ivy Ferrelli of Portland, Kathryn Bush and Berry Holder of Rochester N.H., Alek Bush and Christina of Colorado Springs, Colo., Forrest Bush and his wife, Amber, of Annapolis, Md., David Bush of Polk, Iowa, and Jacob Bush of Polk, Iowa; beloved great-grandchildren, Sydney Bradshaw, Maxwell Bradshaw, Duncan Bradshaw, Calista Zaenger, Lexi Zaenger, Kaliyah Bush, Olivia Bush, Alek Bush Jr., and Layla Bush.

Charlotte was predeceased by, her husbands, Melvin Bush in 1978 and Richard Stevenson in 1999; her daughter, Sally Bush Trafford in 2005; daughter-in law, Virginia Bush in 1999; her brothers, Everett, Paul, Robert, and Thomas Tear; sisters, Dorothy Heldman and Ruth Dyer; and sister-in-law, Mary Tear.

The family wishes to thank the Bangor Maine Veteran's Home for the wonderful and compassionate care and attention given to our Mother while she was with you. Memorial contributions may be made to the activities fund at Maine Veterans Home, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401.

Memorial services will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, at Old Town United Methodist Church, 744 Stillwater Ave., Old Town. Notes of condolences may be left at www.birminghamfuneralhome.com.