KENNEBUNKPORT (NEWS CENTER Maine) - A rock dedicated to Mrs. Bush’s husband President George HW Bush overlooking the family compound is now adorned with flowers and mementos in honor of Barbara Bush.
“We were just always admiring the family all the time for the dignity, that you don’t see a lot of in politics today. So it makes a family like this even stand out more,” said Donna Chaisson of Connecticut.
Each year people from all across the country and across the globe come by to view and take photos of the iconic Bush home, nestled against the coast and ocean. A day after Mrs. Bush’s passing people felt drawn to site.
“I wanted to see her summer home and where she spent a lot of time and had a lot of happy memories,” said Angela Reece of Kentucky.
“Coming out here and seeing the place, it brings a tear to your eye, but she wouldn’t want that. She would want people to be happy and do something good in her name,” said Sandy Lowder.
Mrs.Bush was passionate about literacy and helping kids to read. She was also compassionate, helping sick children through her work with the place that bears her name, the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center. One little girl stopped by with a thank-you note.
“It’s really sad that she died. I felt like maybe I should write a letter to her. It says thank you for being a wonderful First Lady,” said Rachel Yordon of Kennebunk.
But it was not all sadness outside the family home.
"I feel happy in a way, because I know she had a lot of wonderful times out here. I heard stories of her going into downtown Kennebunkport, shopping among the locals. Very down to earth, not putting on any airs, very humble,” said Chaisson.