Heidi Bush

Heidi M. Bush, 64, ended her courageous six-year struggle with cancer Tuesday, Sept. 22, in hospice at home in Denver, CO, with her husband of 47 years, Joseph A. Bush, at her side. Heidi was born on Feb. 1, 1956, in Miami, the youngest of four children of the late Harry V. Senn, professor at the University of Miami, and the late Audrey J. Senn. A Miami native Heidi grew up and lived there for 58 years, Heidi graduated from Killian High School and had a 35-year career at the University of Miami as an administrator.

Heidi and her husband also grew fruit trees in South Miami-Dade County and lived in the cozy, sunny home they built themselves. That family also included parakeets, fish, a cat and 30 dogs over many years. . Heidi was a true nature lover, growing a sumptuous, Florida-friendly garden, attracting butterflies and birds, filling her home (and friends' homes) with plants and flowers year-round.

She also created beauty indoors. Some of her paintings still hang in her home. Whimsical sketches were sometimes tucked into cards or gifts to family and friends. Delicate angels were whipped up from little more than wooden pegs, pipe cleaners, yarn and lace, reminiscent of those she made with her mother as Christmas decorations. Heidi loved living plain and simple.

The Bushes moved to Denver more recently to be nearer medical care as Heidi's condition worsened. Through multiple chemotherapy cycles, radiation, and surgeries, Heidi was private about her suffering, showing positivity and good humor to friends in emails. She kept going, with Joe, the "love of her life," nearby.

In addition to her husband and brother David and his wife, Pam, of Miami, survivors include a sister, Elizabeth C. "Beth" Senn of Archer, Fla. Another sister, Linda Senn Rupp, preceded her in death, as did her parents. In lieu of a service, the family requests donations be made as a memorial gift to the ASCPA.