Pat Bushur

The family of Patricia Louise (McConnell) Bushur, 98, of Davenport, will greet friends on October 10 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of Pat’s life will be October 11 at 10:30am at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport. Friends and family are welcome to gather at the church starting at 9:30am prior to the Mass.

Pat was born October 17, 1925, in Clinton, Indiana, to Charles and Pauline Bertotti McConnell. Pat was very proud of her Irish and Italian roots. She was always the life of the party, had an incredible smile and laugh, and filled her kitchen with the smell of homemade Italian dishes. Her kids aspire to have their kitchens “smell like Mom’s and just like Granny’s”. Growing up in Indiana with three brothers, Pat was a tomboy, but also loved to dress up. She was pleased to let everyone know she was able to jump over the rump end of a horse! Pat attended Indiana State Teachers College in Terre Haute, Indiana, and worked as an executive assistant for many years prior to marrying her “dearest darling”, Joe Bushur, of Neoga, Illinois. Her father invited Joe home for dinner one night and the rest was history. Joe preceded Pat in death on September 28, 1996, following 44 years of a wonderful marriage. Joe and Pat raised their family with a strong sense of faith, a good sense of humor, and the joy of entertaining family and friends.

Pat was known as the “tomato snob” because her tomatoes were always the best! She loved waking up the household singing “Good Morning, Good Morning”, picking every weed in the yard, tending to her roses, making her famous toffee, and adding up dominoes faster than anyone! There are so many unique Mama Bushur-isms that will surely be carried on celebrating her rich legacy.

She was Purchasing Agent at Eastern Iowa Community College for many years. Also, she was an avid volunteer at Sacred Heart Church and School, Assumption High School, Cinderella Cellar, Catholic Service Board, Genesis East Auxiliary, Altar and Rosary Society, and Carriage Club Condominium Association Board.

Pat (aka Mama Bush) was a loving mother to her six children (aka The Six Hoots) who honor her memory: Larry (Sue) Bushur, San Antonio, TX, Gina (Scott) Doup, Des Moines, IA, Chris (BJ) Bushur, Nipomo, CA, Barbara (Gerald) O’Dell, Minong, WI, Michi (Rick) Funk, Long Grove, IA, Tom (Kati) Bushur, Aurora, CO, also 10 grandchildren, 15 1/2 great-grands, and 2 great-great-grands. In addition, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Pat Bushur DeGrauwe, several nieces, nephews, and dear cousins.

The Bushur family would like to thank all of Mom’s lovely caregivers, Angie Wright, and the staffs at Ridgecrest, Senior Star, and Lutheran Home, who provided companionship, laughter, and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, memorials on behalf of Patricia Bushur may be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport, IA.

Ciao bella!