Skip To Main Content

Remembering Gwyn Bush, Beloved McNicholas Teacher

Remembering Gwyn Bush, Beloved McNicholas Teacher

On December 23, 2024, McNicholas and the community lost a legend.  Advanced Placement Biology and Anatomy and Physiology teacher, Gwyn Bush, passed away peacefully at the age of 81, after bravely enduring a long battle with illness. Her dedication to McNicholas is unparalleled. Gwyn taught at McNicholas from 1985-2009 and at Guardian Angels School for six years prior. Her unbounding energy and unwavering spirit have touched countless lives in the McNicholas community, and her loss is deeply felt. Gwyn was a force—tenacious, passionate, kind, and enthusiastic. She was an exceptional teacher. Gwyn continually went above and beyond for her students, demonstrating her deep passion for science, creating and fostering an engaging, student-center learning environment, and consistently challenging students to reach their full potential, and always recognizing the unique gifts and talents of every student.  

Former student Justin Burwinkel commented, “Gwyn was a remarkable teacher and mentor whose influence shaped so much of my life. Gwyn was my AP Biology teacher, but she was so much more than that—a guide, a cheerleader, and an inspiration. Gwyn, your fingerprints are all over my journey. Thank you for everything. You will be deeply missed.”

Another former student Patty Fredericks Ryan shared, “I absolutely loved her Biology class, so much so that I took Anatomy and Physiology with her. I remember learning about the limbic system…feelings and emotions.  She told us how human beings believe that feelings and emotions come from the heart, when in actuality, they come from the brain. So, I made Gwyn a sign that read, “I Brain You” which she hung on the wall in her classroom.”

Gwyn’s light shined beyond the classroom as well.  She held a myriad of roles including Science Department Chair, Faculty Council Representative, Mardi Gras Chair, Military Memorial Committee Member, Kairos Director, Women’s Athletic Director, and School Board Member.  Gwyn was a champion for women’s sports at McNicholas and established the Women’s Hall of Fame Evening recognizing and celebrating talented athletes and all those committed to athletics. Current Athletic Director, Drew Schmidt, added, “if there was a Mt. Rushmore of McNicholas contributors, she’d be one of the very first few mentioned who needs to be on there.”

As a veteran, Gwyn volunteered at the Cincinnati Veterans Administration Hospital.  She loved connecting with former students working there, each dedicated to providing great compassion and care to their patients, just as Gwyn had showed them.  Years ago, Gwyn secured volunteers for the 38th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, and their motto “Life Without Limits” seems appropriate now. “Life Without Limits” means knowing that you always have something to give, something that might ease the burden of others.  It is about treating others with grace and dignity, and that’s what Gwyn did every day, and we are all better for having known her. Val Combs, current teacher at McNicholas and longtime friend and colleague of Gwyn Bush, stated, “I admired her, learned from her, and loved her.  She was a beautiful soul with incredible drive.  She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live forever in the halls of McNicholas and in our hearts.”

Gwyn Bush will be laid to rest on Thursday, January 2, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, Cincinnati, OH. Click here for her obituary and details. 

Gwyn Bush (far right) as a member of the Adult Team for the first Kairos Retreat at McNicholas.

 
    Rockets called to serve during Day of Christian Charity

    McNicholas students celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a school-wide day of service. This Day of Christian Charity is just one example of the McNicholas commitment to enthusiastic giving and serving our neighbors in the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph

    2025 Mardi Gras Court announced

    Congratulations to seniors Tyler Munzel and Katherine Noble who have been named Captain and Maid of Honor of the 73rd annual Mardi Gras Ball. This announcement officially kicks off the Mardi Gras season at McNicholas which culminates in the annual Mardi Gras Pageant on Sunday, Feb. 16.