AFTON - M. Irene Bush, 95, of Afton, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, at the home of her daughter in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where she was residing.

Her husband, Donald N. Bush; parents, Charles and Eva Straka Wayman; sister, Marge Sands; brother, Bobby Wayman; niece, Linda Sands; and sister-in-law, Darla Wayman all preceded her in death.

Surviving family members include her daughter and son-in-law, Deb and Joe Morek, Wake Forest, North Carolina; son, Donald J. Bush, Blanchard, Idaho; grandchildren, Christy (Joe) LoPreste, Karyn Norton (Richard Adams), Casey (Jeremy) Perez, Donnie (Laurn) Bush, Peggy (Erik) Blomberg, and Jessica Morek; and seven great-great grandchildren.

Irene was born and lived most of her life in Afton. She was a member of Afton Presbyterian Church where she loved to support bake sales and soup suppers. She ran a beauty shop out of her "little red house" for about 30 years. Irene was known to treat customers to fresh baked goodies or even a whiskey sour while sitting under the dryer. She never wanted to look or feel old. So, she kept her "red" hair until the day she passed and was rarely without her red lipstick, even if just walking to the mailbox!

She was an avid Yankees fan, able to tell you team and player statistics if you quizzed her. If the Yankees weren't playing her second favorite MLB team would be the Braves. The year the Yankees and the Braves were in the World Series was a stressful series as she was in a win-win situation despite really pulling for her Yankees!

Irene loved her family and cherished the friendships of her neighbors. She often cooked favorite meals and baked goods to share with those who were sick or needed a little lift in spirits. She had a big heart.

Her family will miss her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in memory of Irene be made to Afton Fire Department, 15 Spring St., Afton, NY 13730, Glenwood Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 14, Afton, NY 13730, or Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 97394, Washington, D.C. 20077-7967.

From noon until 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 1, the family will receive friends at Osterhoudt-Madden Funeral Home at 69-71 Maple St., Harpursville. A memorial service officiated by Joyce Beesmer will begin at 1 p.m. and burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery in Afton.

Share condolences at www.omaddenfh.com.