Barbara Bush set a high bar for first ladies

LETTERS LETTERS@USATODAY.COM

Barbara Bush was the matriarch of an American political dynasty.

She was the second American to be both the first lady and mother of a president — the first being Abigail Adams. Barbara was very sweet.

She was an energetic advocate for volunteerism, including causes such as homelessness, AIDS, the elderly and school volunteering programs.

Born Barbara Pierce, she was a distant relative to Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States.

We will remember Barbara as a great first lady and political matriarch, always and forever.

Barbara Bush, rest in peace.

Paul Bacon

Hallandale Beach, Fla.

FACEBOOK USA TODAY OPINION

Such a classy lady. All first ladies should follow the example Barbara set. Greg Allen

I have always thought that almost all the first ladies would have been far better presidents than their husbands. Mrs. Bush would have done a fine job. Tom Horn

She came from a time when presidents were statesmen, and first ladies were their pillars of support and a symbol for American mothers.

Paul Torcello

Barbara has been a towering figure in American politics, history and life. I admired Mrs. Bush for her independent spirit, her long and happy marriage, her example of stability, her generosity and her spirit to the betterment of our nation. Barbara exemplified loyalty to her family and to her country, with dignity, wit, humor, honor, integrity, and a decency and decorum that I hope will return to American life someday.

Thank you, Barbara, for leaving America — and the world — much better places than you found them.

Jeanne Nelson