Barbara Bush – A Beloved Woman, Leader, and Friend

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Former First Lady Barbara Bush. We’ve loved and admired her for decades and will never forget the profound impact she had on this country. Barbara saw me, and our nation, through some of the most difficult days and months following the Challenger accident. Her compassion  was unending. She embraced the Challenger families and encouraged us to turn tragedy into triumph and create Challenger Center. Thanks to her support, our programs have inspired millions of students over the last 32 years.

Barbara Bush is a legend among women leaders around the world. She served our nation well as a feisty First Lady, a model wife and mother, and as friend to millions. I am forever grateful to have been able to call her my friend. On behalf of the Challenger families and the Challenger Center organization, I send my heartfelt condolences to President Bush and the Bush family. We are eternally grateful to each of you for sharing your beloved Barbara with the world.

-June Scobee Rodgers, Founding Chair, Challenger Center