Irene (Hsu) Bussart |
| Posted 2008-10-01 by Judy Wight Branson |
| Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Thursday, September 25, 2008 Irene Bussart passed away peacefully Sept. 20, 2008, at home in the warm embrace of her daughters. She left a legacy of compassion, generosity and goodwill toward all. Her cheery optimism and infectious laughter will be missed by all of us who knew and loved her, yet she lives on in our hearts. Irene was born Aug. 29, 1930, in Shanghai, China, to Hock and Aileen Hsu. Until the age of 19, she lived a charmed life. She was a gifted singer who trained under a famous Russian opera coach. She loved to dance and knew everything from the jitterbug to the tango to the waltz. Her natural singing and dancing abilities, along with her beauty and sparkling personality, made her a favorite at parties. When the Communists invaded Shanghai in 1949, her parents feared for her safety and sent her to Hong Kong to stay with relatives for a while, not knowing she would never be allowed to re-enter China. Her father died a few years later, and her mother was not allowed to leave Shanghai until 1958. From 1949-1958, no visits, phone calls or letters were permitted by the Communists, and Irene did not even know if her parents were safe. When her father died, she did not learn of it until two years later. In Hong Kong, Irene worked for the Inland Revenue Department and Thoresen Steamship Co. before Cathay Pacific Airlines hired her as a stewardess. Shortly afterward, she met Donald Bussart, a pilot, and they married in 1952. Their reception took place at the famed Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong. They moved to Tokyo, Japan, where Denise was born in 1955, and Donna was born in 1959. In 1965 Irene brought her daughters to Prescott, Ariz., as a last attempt to save Denise’s life. Tokyo’s smog was toxic to the asthmatic child, and doctors cautioned that she would not live another year in that climate. Prescott was renowned as a sanctuary for asthmatics, and Denise began to thrive in Prescott’s clean air. The family decided to call Prescott home and fell in love with the friendly people, the mountains and the pine trees. They bought a home with a beautiful view, which Irene loved. She lived there happily for 43 years, jogging, gardening, cooking, hiking and enjoying the charms of her hometown. Irene and Donald divorced in 1971. Since 1952, Irene had been a homemaker. Now she had to put her creativity to practical use and make a living. She opened a catering business. Using her own silver, crystal, and china, she served gourmet Chinese food with her characteristic elegance, sophistication, and artistic flair. In addition, she attended Yavapai College and studied accounting. During those years, she burned the candle at both ends, and her innate strength, courage, and determination made a lasting impression on her daughters. She worked for the Motor Vehicle Department, moving up to manager in a short period of time because of her exceptional work ethic, perfectionism and dedication. She then left to start her own business, Irene’s Title Service. Just as it began to thrive, her mother fell ill, and she moved to Los Angeles, Calif., to care for her because her mother’s health could not tolerate Prescott’s altitude. In 1994, Irene moved back to her beloved Prescott and worked for County Planning and Building. Again she distinguished herself by her hard work and dedication until she retired at the age of 74. In August 2005, Irene was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Her daughter Denise and husband Steve moved back to care for her until the end. During those three years Irene never lost her optimism or characteristic cheerfulness. She continued to focus on others instead of herself. She squeezed the most out of life. She cooked gourmet Chinese food, grew beautiful orchids and gardenias, entertained family and friends, attended performances at Yavapai College and enjoyed each day to the fullest. A quote on her desk reads: “Happiness is taking in all the wonders of life – its joys, its sorrows, its sunshine, its smiles – learning from the experiences each one brings you, and then, from a caring heart, giving them all away again.” This was the way she lived her life. Irene is survived by daughters Denise Bussart-Walker of Prescott and Donna Stiff of Kansas, Ill.; sons-in-law Steve Walker and Bill Stiff; grandchildren Brian Walker, Nicholas Walker, Blake Stiff (Carrie), Bradley Stiff (Ashley), Bryce Stiff, Hilary Stiff, and Andrea Stiff; and great-grandchildren, Alexa Stiff, daughter of Blake and Carrie, Bradon Stiff, and Bryley Stiff, sons of Bradley and Ashley. Irene was proud to have twin grandchildren (Brian and Nicholas) and twin great-grandchildren (Bradon and Bryley). A celebration of Irene’s life will take place Oct. 18, 2008, at 10 a.m. at Unity Church, 145 S. Arizona Ave, Prescott, Ariz., 86303. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Yavapai College Foundation, 1100 E. Sheldon, Prescott, Ariz., 86301 or Hospice of the Pines, 13175 E. Highway 169, Dewey, Ariz., 86327. A white oak has been planted in the Yavapai College Sculpture Garden in honor of Irene. It symbolizes her purity and strength. Information provided by survivors. |
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