Rena V. Van Buren

Rena Virginia Van Buren February 4th, 1924 - February 17th, 2024 We are grateful for the selfless and impactful life of our first family Centenarian, Rena Virginia Van Buren! Rena passed away on February 17th, 2024 at the age of 100, surrounded by loved ones in her home, and lived to her fullest potential until the very last breath. Rena was born in Frostburg Maryland on February 4th, 1924 to Eugene and Bessie Bush. Throughout her upbringing as the oldest daughter with nine siblings, she was affectionately known as “sister”, and played an important role in the family. In 1942, shortly after Pearl Harbor was bombed by Japan and the nation mobilized to enter World War II, Rena gave birth to her first child, James Donovan Bush. So as an 18 year old single mother with the dedicated support of her parents to raise her young son, her life took a significant turn when Rena answered the call for factory workers and began working at the Celanese Munitions Plant in Cumberland MD. Her job was crucial: she served as a shell-casing inspector, meticulously examining each shell casing for imperfections that could impact the lives of soldiers on the front line. In her later years as part of the Rosie The Riveter Laurel Chapter, she affectionately was known as "Rena the Rosie" and was proud of the vital role she played during World War II. After the war, Rena met and married the dashing US Army officer and war veteran, George B. Van Buren, Sr, and they began a family together. Over three decades of marriage together before his passing in 1988, the family lived in Japan, Germany and the Washington DC area. Over the years, her loving, accepting and encouraging manner helped to build an extended family who loved and respected her deeply, and extended far beyond biological lineage. Simply put, she positively impacted many lives by imparting her openness, compassion, wisdom and unconditional kindness. She always saw the good in other human beings, and her home was open to all. Rena’s final contribution and act of benevolence was to donate her body to George Washington’s University Anatomical Center for Research, because she wanted her physical body to help others after she transitioned to the spiritual embodiment. To honor Rena’s memory, we are holding a memorial celebration of her life on March 23rd beginning at 2PM at the March Life Tribute Center in Laurel Maryland. We invite anyone who was touched by her life to attend and remember her wonderful contributions. Rena is preceded in death by parents Eugene and Bessie Bush; husband, US Army Major (Retired) George B. Van Buren, Sr.; sons James Donovan Bush and James Wahls (through marriage); brothers Mike (Bushie), Tom and Robert (Bobby) Bush; sisters Nellie Williams, Josie Harper, Lois (Snooky) Harper, Annie Wheeler, Katie Taylor and Mary Parker. She is survived by children Bianca Van Buren, Donna Mackel, George Van Buren (Krystal), Frank Van Buren, Gabriela Horcher (through marriage); Grandchildren Nina Bush, Eric Bush, Renee Carter, Candice Mackel, Amanda Van Buren, Amira Van Buren, Sydney Van Buren, Bobby Van Buren and Aaron Van Buren; Great Grandchildren Michael Chappell, Abiane Culbreath, Samantha Carter, Gary Carter, Samiya Bush , Terrance Bush , Ashley Thomas, Raquel Bush and Jamal Bush; Great-great grandchildren Rayne Shulter, Ava Elliott and Chase Bundy; a multitude of loving nephews, nieces; an extended family in Germany through marriage, and friends so close they are considered family. In lieu of flowers, Rena V. Van Buren requested a contribution to her cherished organization, American Rosie the Riveter Association, Laurel, MD Chapter. Please make checks payable to: "American Rosie the Riveter Association, Laurel, MD Chapter" On memo line: "Rosie Rena" Mail check to: Helen Kasemeyer, Treasurer 8314 Autumn Way, 2B Jessup, MD 20794

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Rena V. Van Buren

February 4, 1924 - February 17, 2024