7 Action News looks back at the legacy of Barbara Bush and her metro Detroit connections.
In 1945, well before he was president, George H.W. Bush was stationed at the Grosse Ile Naval Air Station. In Barbara Bush’s memoir, she wrote about that time in her life and the people who made an impact on her.
In an excerpt from the book, “Barbara Bush: A Memoir:”
“We moved over to Dearborn and stayed with the dearest family, Joe and Grace Gorgone and their children. We have stayed in touch all these years, until Grace died in March 1993. She taught me some of the things my mother thought I should be able to pick up by reading — things like how to cook, clean, and wash clothes."
Joe and Grace Gorgone were the landlords for the Bush family and lived in Trenton for many years.
Both have since passed away, but their neighbor, Susan Pillars, still remembers the Gorgones and their relationship with the Bushs.
"Mrs. Bush would come over for lunch and just to pass the time of day,” said Pilarski.
Pilarski was a child back then and that was well before their time in the White House, but years later, when George Bush was on the campaign trail, Pilarski got an opportunity to meet Mrs. Bush at a luncheon.
"She was, to me, the quintessential Southern charming lady,” said Pilarski.
She said the Gorgones stayed in touch, just as Barbara Bush wrote in her memoir, but it wasn’t something they bragged about.
"They didn't trade on their friendship or anything like that, it was the old school, they're your friend and only certain people need to know,” said Pilarski.
When the Gorgones both passed away and their home was sold, Pilarski said she told the new owner about the home’s distinction.
"I told her that Mrs. Bush had come to lunch there, she was amazed,” said Pilarski.
She said she feels honored to have had Mrs. Bush touch her life personally.
"When she passed I thought, man I was lucky enough to get to meet her, that in and of itself was extremely special,” said Pilarski.
