Deborah Rush's Obituary
Deborah J. Rush, 59, passed from this earthly life on February 15, 2012, at her home in Burlingame, after a brave 10-year battle with cancer. She leaves behind her bereaved parents, Jack and Charmaine Rush of Foster City, and her devoted brother Barry Rush, also of Foster City. Deborah, a life-long resident of San Mateo County, was born on April 20, 1952 in San Mateo, was brought up in Hillsborough, and graduated from Burlingame High School in 1970. She then went to San Jose State and received her BA in English in 1974. Her interest in literature and theater lasted through her life, leading her to standing subscriptions for American Conservatory Theater, Best of Broadway, 42nd Street Moon, and the San Francisco Ballet. She was also one of the first participants at the Dickens Fair and Renaissance Faire (c.1970), 'living-history' events that began in the San Francisco Bay Area. The experience of these costumed events, combined with the influence of her mother Charmaine (a former fashion model), led to even greater interest in costuming and historic fashion. She became well-known as a vintage fashion collector, with a museum-quality collection which she presented at special fashion shows across the state. She often dressed in vintage gowns while going out dancing to big bands such as the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra and the Peter Mintun Orchestra, and was a well-known member of the Art Deco Society of California. But Deborah also had many unexpected facets. She was one of the first visitors to Disneyland in 1955, and she and the rest of her family were lifelong Disney fans. She was a true football fanatic, not just rooting for the 49ers, but learning and following the game with her father Jack, who brought her as a tot to meet the 49ers of the 1950s. Her love for football also took her to many games at College of San Mateo, where her brother Barry was a coach. She was a computer systems analyst for Bay Area companies including Wells Fargo Bank and American President Lines shipping. She was a connoisseur of murder mysteries, especially vintage ones from the 1920s and 30s. And, growing up in the 1960s and 70s in the San Francisco Bay Area, she had also been to see all the bands of that era such as Jefferson Airplane and Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding Company, enjoying the music and the psychedelic light shows. In every one of these areas of her life, Deborah made friends with her enthusiasm, joy, love and generosity. In the later years, she reached out and made friends on the internet. In fact, one Facebook friend hosted her for her last trip to Europe, which she enjoyed with all the old verve. Sadly, her ten-year battle with cancer began to drain her energy in August, and after a long hospital stay and a slow decline at home, she slipped away on the day after Valentine's Day... much-loved and in the hearts of many. A funeral is scheduled for Thursday, February 23, 1:00 pm, in the Chapel at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo (located at the intersection of Highway 92 and Skyline Boulevard; see website for directions.) Memorial gifts may be directed to Deborah's most important charities: Make-A-Wish Foundation, SmileTrain, and Toys for Tots.
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