Bush, Siblings Inherit Bulk of Mother’s Estate

STUART, Fla. —  President Bush’s mother, Dorothy, bequeathed the bulk of her estate to her five children, but she also left $2,000 to the family’s former cook and nearly $50,000 to various charities and institutions.

Mrs. Bush died Nov. 19 at her home in Greenwich, Conn., a day after suffering a stroke. She was 91.

Her will, filed last week in Martin County Circuit Court, didn’t give the estate’s value, but it is believed to be worth millions.

The will was revised less than six months ago. It named sons Prescott Bush Jr. and Jonathan Bush as executors of her will and trustees of her estate.

“It is my hope and recommendation, however, that my executors and trustees shall consult with my son, George Herbert Walker Bush, on any important matters pertaining to the investment or administration of my estate and any trusts created hereby,” the will states.

Mrs. Bush asked that the bulk of her estate be divided equally among her five children. Her other children are William (Bucky) Bush and Nancy Bush Ellis.

She left Prescott Bush Jr. and Jonathan Bush each an additional $30,000 for having served as executors of their father’s estate. Her husband, former U.S. Sen. Prescott Bush, died in 1972.

Mrs. Bush’s only daughter was given all of her jewelry and a painting. Another painting was left to Mrs. Bush’s daughter-in-law, Elizabeth K. Bush, the wife of Prescott Bush Jr.

Her other daughters-in-law, including Barbara Bush, weren’t named in the will.

She left each of 16 grandchildren $10,000, and provided an additional $25,000 to grandson Prescott Bush III and granddaughter Nancy W. Ellis Black, “because of the difficulties (each) has experienced.” The will did not elaborate.

She left $2,000 to Cather Hudson, the former cook at the Bush family’s winter home on Jupiter Island.

“Thank you, Jesus, so much,” Mrs. Hudson, 77, said. “I’m all choked up. I loved her so much. She was just like a mother to me. She was so sweet.”