Darlene Nina Bullerdick

Throughout her life a determined can-do spirit punctuated Darlene's character. An intrepid world traveler, educator, artist and friend, she enjoyed a passion and diversity of interests that made her equally at home, whether traveling the Amazon Rainforest by canoe, leading a classroom of 5th graders, or enjoying the fellowship within a sewing circle of friends.

A Muskegon native and honors graduate of Michigan State University, she taught elementary and adult education in both the Lansing and Bath school systems. She was an active member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church and served there in a number of roles.

Darlene was a natural born teacher. An early believer in theme-based learning, she enjoyed finding ways to combine art, literature, math and science. Among the outpouring of cards and letters from former students, she was most happy to learn of those who also went on to become teachers themselves. Her students' memories include making puppets. One person still shares his with his children. Others recall learning to square dance and afterwards being invited to Darlene's house for a real dance in the barn using a live caller. Some students recall learning about frogs and identifying their calls. Most touching though were stories from those who had been quietly taken aside and counseled on the value and dignity of their less fortunate classmates. This in particular left an indelible impression on them for over 40 years.

Darlene's busy life brimmed with talents and interests. An avid textile artist and designer, she created scores of beautifully hand-stitched quilts and wall hangings. Her knitted sweaters were show-stoppers. She claimed that her sewing machine was her "right hand" and with it produced clothing of the highest order including wedding dresses and tuxedos. Darlene was also an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining friends and hosting parties in her beautiful garden. She maintained a boundless enthusiasm for books, plays, musicals and opera. And she was not to be underestimated at cards, dominos or Sudoku.

Her love of bird watching and sense of adventure took her all around the world with over 785 unique bird sightings on her life list. She traveled from Capetown, South Africa to Egypt, sailed the Panama Canal, toured throughout Russia, China, Canada, Mexico, Cuba and the European Union, and even spent some time stranded on the Amazon River.

Darlene met and eloped with her first husband, Robert Bullerdick, while at Michigan State University. They were married for 52 years and had three children. After his passing, she married Ronald Davis and enjoyed 7 blessed years of devotion and adventure.

Darlene is survived by her second husband, Ron Davis; children, Ted Bullerdick (Gina Blake), Nancy (Bob) Kupina, Valerie (Fritz) Barth; and grandchildren, Mason, Addison, Kurt, Felix, Colette, Aidan and Giselle.