Margaret “Marcheta” Busch

Margaret “Marcheta” Busch died of congestive heart failure at Hoag Memorial Hospital at age 91 on the morning of Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. She led a joyous life and left behind a large and beloved family.

Marcheta was born on September 21, 1929 in Clinton, Mich., where she spent her entire life. She was the daughter of Margaret (Murphy) and Clare Gillespie. Her siblings, Roger Gillespie of Tecumseh, Mich. and Leva Brown of Tecumseh, both preceded her in death.

Marcheta graduated from Clinton High School in 1946 and received a secretarial degree from Cleary College in Ann Arbor, Mich.. She initially worked as assistant to the CEO of Michigan-based Tecumseh Products.

Marcheta married Joseph H. Busch on August 20, 1949. The year before, they founded Busch’s Fresh Food Market chain in Clinton, Mich. – it was then called Country Market. She worked as the accountant. The business has grown to 16 supermarkets owned by three of their children. Marcheta outlived Joe, who died on November 17, 2015 at the age of 89.

Marcheta had six children: John J. Busch (Josephine), Brighton, Mich. (age 69); Timothy R. Busch (Steph), Laguna Hills, Calif. (age 66); Thomas M. Busch (Lori), Fenton, Mich. (age 64); Gregory A. Busch, Newport Coast, Calif. (age 61); Karen M. Busch, Dana Point, Calif. (age 60); and Douglas A. Busch (Kris), Birmingham, Mich. (age 58).

She is survived by ten grandchildren, Cristina Hess, Brad (Amber) Busch, Gianna Busch, Garrett (Betsy) Busch, Kenzie (Collin) Vath, Jenny (Gabe) Bernhard, Kristin (David) Buzanoski, T.J. Busch, Ashley Busch and Kevin Busch. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren, Elliot Busch; Jett Hess; Brady and Caleb Bernhard; Benjamin Buzanoski; Reagan, Jameson, and Remington Busch (triplets); Felicity Margaret Busch; Eleanor and MacGyver Busch (twins); and Hudson Vath.

With her late husband, Joe, Marcheta maintained a lifelong residence in Clinton, Mich. and spent winters in Dana Point, California since 1985. For the last three and a half years, her daughter Karen M. Busch cared for her, for which the family is deeply indebted.

Marcheta enjoyed traveling throughout her life, hindered only by the recent pandemic. She traveled throughout Europe and personally met Pope Francis in 2017. She was an avid reader. She attended all family activities and functions up to her death.

Marcheta’s Mass of the Resurrection was held at St. Kilian Catholic Church, 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 on Saturday, February 27. A reception followed the Holy Mass at JSerra Catholic High School.

On Monday, March 1, 2021, there was a rosary and viewing at St. Dominic Oratory, 220 Brown Street, Clinton, MI 49236. There was a second funeral mass on Tuesday, March 2, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 506 N. Union Street, Tecumseh, MI. Afterward, there was a reception at the St. Elizabeth Church Hall, followed by the burial service at the St. Dominic Catholic Cemetery in Clinton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to St. Dominic Chapel C/O St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 506 N. Union Street, Tecumseh, MI 49286. Local arrangements are under the care of the Clinton Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes.  Online condolences may be offered to the family at handlerfuneralhomes.com.