June Bush Kosciuszko

Heaven gained a true Southern Angel when June Bush Kosciuszko died peacefully on June 24, 2023, at her home in Alexandria, VA at age 91. Born July 9, 1931 to Annie Hammock Bush and Arthur Bush in Byron, GA, she grew up there with her three siblings and closest friends, Marian B. Thames, Anne B. Kovacs (deceased) and Arthur “Boonie” Bush (deceased). A basketball star and captain of the team, June thrived at Byron High School. After graduation, while working at Robins Air Force Base, June met the love of her life, Col. Alphons E. “Koz” Kosciuszko, of New Castle, PA. Married in 1951, they lived all over the U.S. raising six children: Sue Massey, Kaye Titerence, Delores Kosciuszko, Ed Kosciuszko, Jan Servais and Patty Collette. She happily welcomed the in-laws into the family: Paul Massey (deceased), Lance Servais, Royal Collette and Carla Kosciuszko. Wherever they lived, the Kosciuszko clan always made it back to June’s beloved Byron for most of the summer. June was a proud Military spouse who loved gardening, bridge, cooking, baking and her many Women’s Groups. A stead-fast Methodist, she belonged to Byron United Methodist Church in Georgia and Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA. Col. Koz passed away in November 1986 after 35 years of marriage. She adored her 12 grandchildren: Amanda Massey Mattea (Trevor), Peter Massey (Sarah), Matthew Massey (Eleanor), Kristin Massey Hanchey (Trey), Michael Massey (deceased), Marian Stokes (Brian Franklin), Rachel Hughes (Daniel), Natalie Hardesty (Rachel), Forrest Norman, Natasha Kosciuszko and April and Camryn Collette. June also leaves 7 great-grandchildren: Emerson Mattea, Grace and Paul Massey, William Massey, Vivian and Hanna Hughes and Raye Stokes. Several years later, June was fortunate to find love again with Lowell Don Girod of Atlanta, GA, coincidentally another pilot. They spent 25 years together traveling the world and spending time in Garden City, SC. Don passed away in 2018. Her family will have A Memorial Celebration of Life at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA, on Wednesday, October 25, 5pm, with a reception after in Wesley Hall. On October 26, 9am, will be the funeral service where June will join her late husband, Col. Alphons E. Kosciuszko at Arlington National Cemetery. Guests are asked to arrive for their Funeral & Internment by 8:15am and meet at the Old Post Chapel located at 204 Lee Avenue, Fort Myer, VA. Please note that any guest or family members that do not have a DOD Identification Card must enter Fort Myer via the Hatfield Gate, 29 Carpenter Road, Fort Myer, VA 22211. Following the service, guest will proceed to Section 66, grave 305 for a brief graveside service. Reception to follow at Army Navy Country Club, 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA. The families of June would like to express their thanks for your outpouring of sympathy surrounding June’s death. Whether it was a card, flowers, meals, a phone call, a visit or simply sending us positive thoughts, it’s been greatly appreciated. June touched and made an impression on most everyone she met. We are proud to count you as our friends.