Chicago Obituary: Carolyn Rush, 68, Wife Of Rep. Bobby Rush

CHICAGO — With great sadness, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D, IL-1) announced the passing of his wife of Carolyn, 68, who died Monday of congestive heart failure at the University of Chicago Hospital.

“Today I have lost my best friend, the love of my life, my confidant and my best half,” said Rush, who was at her bedside, along with her children, when she died.

“This one of the most difficult days of my life. If there is any comfort at all, it is in knowing that Carolyn is no longer suffering and that she has returned to our Father in Heaven. I will always cherish her. She was everything to me. I am devastated.”

Born May 27, 1949 in Memphis, Tennessee, Carolyn Rush moved to Chicago at an early age. She graduated from Hirsch High School and later graduated with high honors with a Bachelors of Art in Organizational Leadership from Roosevelt University in Chicago.

In addition to her work as a community organizer, precinct captain and political strategist in many campaigns, she was also instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement working to end discrimination in housing and employment.

On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, chairman Rep. Cedric Richmond (D, LA-2) issued a statement of condolence to the congressman:

"For more than three decades, Carolyn was a steady force by Congressman Rush's side. We all know of her wise counsel, beautiful spirit, and constant support for her family and community, and we are comforted by her faith and by the belief that she is resting well in God's arms.

"I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Congressman Rush and his family. Losing someone you love is very painful, especially when that someone is the love of your life. The members of the Congressional Black Caucus will continue to keep the Rush Family in our prayers, and we will continue to support our dear colleague and leader, Congressman Rush, during this difficult time."

“I want to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support over the last several months as Carolyn’s health faded. I want to commend the University of Chicago’s medical staff who provided excellent care for her for the duration of her illness," said Rush, who has represented Chicago since 1992.

“I also express my sincerest appreciation to my colleagues in Congress, and to my constituents for understanding why it was so important for me to be with my wife when I also had to be in Washington. Choosing to be with her until the very end was really no choice for me at all. As her husband it was my duty and as a man of God it was also my responsibility to be by her side,” Rush reflected. “Carolyn never left my side when I was diagnosed with cancer. She’s the reason I’m still here. I will forever miss my friend.”

Mrs. Rush and her husband U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush, have a blended family of seven children (one son is deceased), and 11 grandchildren. The couple were married for 36 years.

»Read more about Saturday's arrangements.

Top photo: Bobby & Carolyn Rush, 2012 (Dario Cantatore/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images)