In the nearly 30 years since she first took her place among America's laudable First Ladies, Barbara Bush, who passed away today at the age of 92, made a name for herself as more than the matriarch of her Presidential family. A staunch advocate for literacy education, Bush's candor and quick wit made her an admired figure on both sides of the aisle. Here, a selection of Bush's most quotable wisdom and witticisms.

ON SUCCESS:
"Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people - your family, friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way."

ON GIVING:
"Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections, some literally give their life's blood. But everyone has something to give."

ON PRIORITIZING:
"The darn trouble with cleaning the house is it gets dirty the next day anyway, so skip a week if you have to. The children are the most important thing."

ON FAMILY:
"To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there."

ON STYLE:
"People who worry about their hair all the time, frankly, are boring."

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ON LEARNING:
"If human beings are perceived as potentials rather than problems, as possessing strengths instead of weaknesses, as unlimited rather that dull and unresponsive, then they thrive and grow to their capabilities."

ON LUCK:
"You just don't luck into things as much as you'd like to think you do. You build step by step, whether it's friendships or opportunities."

ON AGING:
"Never ask anyone over 70 how they feel. They'll tell you."

ON CHARITY
"Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others."

ON PARENTING:
"You have to love your children unselfishly. That's hard. But it's the only way."

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Lauren Hubbard
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Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.