Even serving as CEO of The Bush Company and its other corporate entities, Mary Digges, known as the family cook, finds time to do a lot of cooking. “I love to can and cook,” Mary said. “Don’t know where I got this love from, but as a child I spent a lot time with my great-grandmother as my mother was busy having more children. When my mother, who was well known for her needle work, began having problems with eyesight, she would then sit on the stool and direct in the kitchen and direct me,” Mary said.

“I am the oldest of eight siblings so on holidays, especially at Thanksgiving, it’s family gathering time at my home here in Williamsburg.” Mary cooks for about 60 people as she has a list of friends, family and employees whom she wants to include. (Mary also owns a home in Mathews which she refers to as “the farm.”)

“There will be about 25 family members and we always have room for five or six more should they wi...