Lillian A. (Glushien) Rush

*Lillian A. (Glushien) Rush, 48, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center. She was born in Athol, MA to Lynne (Pulsifer) and Gary Glushien on January 29, 1976. She was the eldest of 5 siblings— Ashley and Cole Wichman, and Holly and Krystal Glushien—and grew up surrounded by a big family including, cousins, 5 aunts and 3 uncles.

She met Michael J. Rush when they were in their teens and they later married and had three wonderful daughters who have much of their mother in them and will carry on her magic for the rest of their lives. She is now reunited with her mother, Lynne, and is survived by her children, husband, siblings, and father.

Lillian grew up in Western Massachusetts creating a wonderful network of family and friends throughout her life. When she did something she committed herself to it entirely. She worked at a few gas stations and Yankee Candle in Deerfield first and then later found what she loved at Buckland Elementary School. She spent almost 20 years dedicating her time there, helping children with disabilities reach the stars and also making sure their needs were being met at the school as much as she could. She had a fundraiser for a safe space for the kids and the staff used her sensory room just as much as the students. She brought so much love to her students and staff, it was just as much a part of her life as her family.

Anyone who knew Lily knows how much she loved fairies, glitter, and the color purple. She enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible and dedicated much of her free time to tending her flower garden. She could be found outside anytime there was sun. One of her favorite things to do was swim at a secret location with her daughters which they decided to call FernGully. She was always looking for a way to add some sparkle to the world around her, to make people smile or catch a candid photo to preserve special memories. May we all continue to bring magic into the world for her.*

Calling hours will happen May 16th from 4pm to 6pm at Smith Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls.
Anyone who was inspired by or loved her is welcome.

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