FINAL SEND-OFF

Barbara Bush’s Funeral Honors Her ‘Long and Consequential Life’

The Obamas and the Clintons were among those to pay their respects, along with first lady Melania Trump.

Former first lady Barbara Bush was hailed as the country’s “first lady of the greatest generation” at a funeral service in Houston on Saturday. Former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton were among those to show up to pay their respects, along with former first ladies Michelle and Hillary. First lady Melania Trump was also in attendance, while President Trump opted to remain at his Mar-a-Lago resort “to avoid disruptions due to added security and out of respect for the Bush family.” With about 1,500 mourners in attendance, presidential historian Jon Meacham delivered a eulogy honoring Barbara Bush’s “long and consequential life” and contributions to literacy and AIDS awareness, describing her as a “point of light” who “kept everything and everyone together.” Eight of the former first lady’s grandsons acted as pallbearers, with former President George H.W. Bush following closely behind the casket as it was wheeled out of the church for burial. The former first lady will be buried at the Bush Library next to her 3-year-old daughter, Robin, who died of leukemia in 1953.