Marie A. Bush

Marie Anne (Scotch) Bush, age 77, of Winona, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Sugar Loaf Senior Living in Winona.

She was born on January 4, 1947, and was raised in Bangor, MI.  Marie was an only child born to Benice and Anthony Scotch. She graduated from Maria High School of Chicago in 1965, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated from Maria Junior College in Chicago.

Marie was raised with Christ and was on her way to becoming a religious sister and nun, however, one night, at a friend’s wedding, she met the man that would change her life forever.  It only took one dance and three years of courting, and she married Stanley Bush on September 4, 1971, at Our Lady of Vilna Catholic Church in Chicago.   Starting their lives together, they decided to move to Winona, and this is where they would spend the next 53 years.

Marie started her working career in Winona as a typist clerk at Winona State University.  She was brilliant with business, numbers, and finances. While working full-time, Marie was also going to school, earning her master’s degree in business administration, and in 1990, she received the title of Budget Director at Winona State, a position she held until her retirement in 2010.  Marie took her job very seriously, often kidding that any purchases had to go through her, and that, “They couldn’t even buy a football without me okaying it!”   Marie was very proud of her career and was an active member of Women in Business for over 20 years.

Marie will be remembered for her exquisite fashion taste, always having her clothes, hair, and make-up perfect.  She was always dressed to a “t” and looked like a million bucks.  Her beautiful smile and beautiful personality will be forever missed.  

Besides her expertise in finance, Marie had many talents.  She enjoyed taking painting classes, and some of her beautiful artwork included a painting of the Last Supper and the Nativity Scene, which she proudly displayed each Christmas holiday.

Rarely watching TV, Marie enjoyed reading, sewing, crocheting, doing word puzzles, and being outdoors tending her flower garden and hoping those “darn deer” would stay away.

Marie’s beautiful personality took her to the love of music – she would hum, sing, dance, and was a fan of musical productions, with her favorite being The Sound of Music.  She often sang, “You Are My Sunshine,” with her friend, Connie.

Upon Marie’s retirement, she and Stan took the time to do a bit of traveling, but most often, they would attend Canterbury Park to watch the horse races.  

Marie was the most angelic person inside and out.  She made many friends and colleagues during her career at Winona State that lasted long after her retirement.

Marie is survived by her husband of 53 years, Stan; brother-in-law: Al (Tori) Bush; and a Goddaughter, Jennifer Hood.  She is also survived by her “self-proclaimed daughters” Connie Woolley and Jen Scheck; and “self-proclaimed son” CK Kwai.  Marie always said, “A person needs good friends,” and friendships are important in everyone’s lives.  Those blessed friends to Marie are Christine Hansen and Diane Dingfelder who were always close to her heart.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Bernice Scotch; and her brothers-in-law: Robert Bush and Joseph Bush.

Stan, Connie, Jen, and CK wish to SINCERELY THANK the following: the Winona Hospice staff – you guys are top-notch, superb! The staff at Sugar Loaf Senior Living in the Memory Care Unit for their utmost attentiveness, and for the impeccable love and dignity you gave to our dear Marie.  You all are sincerely the best in your business, you were all AMAZING!

WELCOME to heaven our dearest wife and friend.  God’s arms are wide open for you.  What a gracious angel you will be.

Visitation will be held from 2 PM until the funeral service at 3 PM on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona.   The Very Reverend Patrick Arens will officiate.

Marie will be laid to rest privately at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery in Chicago.

YOU ARE MY ANGEL FRIEND AND I WILL BE WITH YOU TILL THE END!

Online condolences or memories may be left for Marie’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.