Agnes C. Rush's Obituary
Agnes C. Rush passed away peacefully on June 16, 2018. Born Agnes Cecilia Spatuzzi January 28, 1922 in Newark, NJ, she was the daughter of Lena and Antonio Spatuzzi. She is survived by five children, Genevieve Ward and husband Edward, Peter Rush and wife Melanie, Joseph Rush, Robert Rush, and Marian Rush. Her daughter Agnes, who was afflicted with Cerebral Palsy, predeceased her. She had ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Agnes was a wonderful, caring mother who was always positive and supportive of the family. She retired to Gainesville in 2001 to be close to her son and daughter, both attorneys in Gainesville. She was elected president of her condominium community and was an active participant in community affairs. Before retiring to Gainesville, Agnes was the president of Montclair Homes, a builder, in Clearwater, Florida. Agnes was the first woman admitted to the Pinellas County Home Builders Association. An active traveler, she visited over 30 countries.
Agnes was the center of the family bringing everyone together with her fine Italian cooking and warm welcomes. She passed down her love of cooking and family recipes to her grandchildren, Travis and Lauren. She provided advice and guidance to us but never preached. She was always there when we needed to talk and never judged but only supported us no matter the odds. She was optimistic despite the difficulty of raising a special needs child before there was much support for her. She was resourceful and inventive giving us all attention even when she was struggling with making ends meet. She was our best friend as well as mother. She will be deeply missed by us all.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, June 21, at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, with Fr. John Phillips as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to IGHL Foundation [Independent Group Home Living Program], 221 N. Sunrise Service Rd., Manorville, New York 11949.
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