Oconomowoc Area Foundation’s Maribeth Bush announces retirement
by Rebecca Seymour
Oconomowoc Area Foundation Coordinator Maribeth Bush has announced her plans to retire from the foundation at the end of 2023. The Oconomowoc resident of 33 years has been with the nonprofit organization since its inception in 2002, serving as a board member, board president, and foundation coordinator, a position she has held for the last 10 years.
“God has given me so many amazing pathways and I am so blessed. I’ve learned so much from so many people over the years. The OAF is always evolving because the needs of the community are always changing. It is an honor to serve our community in this way, and I am so grateful for our volunteers, our donors, and the nonprofits that we support,” said Maribeth.
In celebration of her years of serving the greater Oconomowoc area, Maribeth was presented with the Key to the City of Oconomowoc, as well as a framed proclamation formally declaring December 8, 2023 as “Maribeth Bush Day.”
Signed by Oconomowoc Mayor Robert Magnus and presented with a standing ovation during the OAF’s holiday gathering at the Carriage House at Lac La Belle on Dec. 7, the document officially recognized Maribeth’s “dedication and service to the greater Oconomowoc community, as well as more than 100 area nonprofit organizations supported through her passionate work with the Oconomowoc Area Foundation.”
“Maribeth is an incredible person that has touched so many lives in our community. We all need more Maribeth’s in our lives. Her kindness, generosity, leadership, and passion for Oconomowoc are evident in everything she does. I am honored and humbled to present her this proclamation and a key to the city. No one is more deserving of these honors,” said Mayor Magnus.
Bush and her late husband Jerry moved to Oconomowoc in 1990, raising their sons Rob and Jim on their hobby farm. When her children were young, Maribeth began working as a Kindergarten teacher’s aide at Meadow View Elementary, and then a substitute teacher’s aide for special needs students at Park Lawn Elementary in Oconomowoc.
Putting her marketing skills to use, she became the Communications liaison for the school district. It was in this position that Maribeth worked with community visionaries to help pass the $49.6M referendum in 2006 for new schools, the Oconomowoc Arts Center and more.
Lasting legacy
Over the years, Maribeth shared her unwavering passion and commitment as a volunteer, community partner, and advocate with several area nonprofit organizations, including co-founder and board member of the Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation, Oconomowoc Rotary Club and Rotary Foundation, OCD Wisconsin, Oconomowoc Area School District Business Advisory Committee, Gals Institute, Honor & Valor Veterans Memorial Park of Oconomowoc, and others.
In recognition of her dedication to making a difference in her community and beyond, Maribeth was named Oconomowoc Citizen of the Year by the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce in October 2016, and Woman of Distinction of Waukesha County by the Women & Girls Fund of Greater Waukesha in May 2019.
In October, the OAF board of directors created the ‘Maribeth Bush Humanitarian Award’ as a way to both celebrate the retiring foundation coordinator and also inspire others to work together to create a lasting legacy through giving back in meaningful ways.
“I witnessed first-hand Maribeth’s endless hard work and dedication to our community and all the nonprofit organizations working here. She was there at the beginning and served the OAF and Oconomowoc with her whole heart and soul for over 20 years. This award will keep that spirit of exemplary service to others alive for generations to come,” said Bob Johnson, OAF board chairman.
In her retirement, Maribeth is dedicated to spending as much time as possible sharing in the lives and adventures of her sons Rob and Jim, daughters-in-law Katie and Laura, and her four granddaughters Lydia, Nora, Charlotte, and Ruby. She also promises to continue her involvement in the community.
“I am still processing this incredible honor – there are no adequate words. Thank you so much to everyone who celebrated with me! And as I sit here on Oconomowoc’s Boardwalk (my favorite place) with coffee in hand, and re-reading the Proclamation and many messages, my heart is smiling, my soul is happy and I am forever grateful,” added Maribeth.
