Maude Hazel Rush
...WWII Army W.A.C., Author, Director of Elderly Outreach in Maine; age 100
TEWKSBURY - Maude Hazel (Kenney) Rush, age 100, a farmer, author, and in her later years, amoving force in the Elderly Outreach programs for the State of Maine, died Tuesday morning,April 23, at the E. N. Rogers V.A. Hospital in Bedford, Mass. She was the wife of the late Sgt.Robert Burns, U.S. Army, who was killed during WWII in Europe, and later, the late GrahamRush.
She was born in Portland, Maine, October 14, 1901. She lived the greater part of her life in theGardener-Augusta area where she owned and operated a farm throughout her life. She retired toFlorida, and returned to her family in Tewksbury two years ago, due to failing health.
During WWII, she enlisted into the W.A.C., and served as a radio dispatcher in Italy. At the closeof WWII, she remained in Italy as an instructor and trainer in radio technology.
In her earlier years, she worked as an instructor at the Steven’s School for Women. In her lateryears she attended the University of Maine, and was named as the Director of Elderly Outreachfor the entire State of Maine. She lobbied the State of Maine to end the practice of forcedretirement because of age. Maine would become the first state to pass such legislation. She wasrecognized for her efforts with an invitation to a White House dinner, hosted by First LadyRosalyn Carter.
As an active elder, she published the book “Starcrossed” an autobiography, at the age of 90. Atthe age of 95, she published a children’s book called “Wildwood Friends.”
She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Candy and her husband Robert Ryanand John Shields Jr. of Tewksbury, Richard and his wife Janet (Thornton) Shields of Lawrence,numerous great, and great great nieces and nephews.
She was also sister of the late Clifford Kenny, Dana Kenney, John Shields, Ina Kenney, andDorothy Shields.
Her Funeral Service was held Friday, April 26, in the Funeral Home. Following cremation, interment will beheld in Portland, Maine.
Memorials to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St. Framingham,MA 01701 will be appreciated. www.tewksburyfuneralhome.com