Barbara Buursma

On Mother’s Day, Barb celebrated her 95th birthday as her family sang, hugged, and whispered, “We love you,” to a woman being born anew into glory with her Savior, Jesus Christ. The next day, May 13, Barb received eternal life through Jesus’ death and resurrection. We thank God for knitting Barb together with a loving, practical, and feisty spirit that shaped her relationships with others. Raised in Chicago, Barb fell in love with “Johnny”, a young man from Holland. They married and began a life-long romance of 67 years until the day of his passing three years ago. Family, friends, church, and Christian education played major roles in shaping Barb and her family. Three children received the blessing of a loving, clean home with parents who lived out their faith. Barb formed deep, life-long relationships with a group of women who gathered every Wednesday for coffee. She volunteered at church and school supporting the places that meant so much to her. Barb’s generous spirit often led others to her dining table or extended stays at her house. If she saw a need, she would respond. That need often occurred in her own family. John dealt with health issues from a significant car accident. Barb’s consistent care provided a clear example of love in difficult times. Later in life, Barb eventually lost most of her eyesight to macular degeneration. Despite this challenge, Barb fully engaged in life. She especially enjoyed hearing about and gathering with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will miss her love for finding bargains, eating chocolate, and offering strong opinions on any topic. We will miss the care and love she had for each one of us.

Barb leaves her children, Sue and Dick Landman, Kathy and Greg Door, and Randy and Debra Buursma, sister Theresa Wiltjer, and sisters-in-law Pat Buursma and Lynne Wiegers, grandchildren, Renee Wagenaar and Bob Hackett, Tom Wagenaar, Dan and Rachel Door, Jenelle and Jake Vlietstra, Nathan and Jackie Door, Ben and Becky Buursma, Derek and Deqa Elmi-Buursma, and Erica and Josh Klenz and 12 great-grandchildren who provided so much joy throughout Barb’s life.

We thank God for the staff and residents of Maplewood Cottage who loved on Mom for the past three years. She experienced a special connection with many staff, listening and advising as they talked about life. Also, Hospice of Holland offered invaluable support to both Mom and our family during this time when Heaven and Earth touched.

Visitation with the family will occur on Friday, May 17, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at Providence Church. A memorial service celebrating God’s faithfulness in Barb’s life will follow at 12:30 pm. Memorial gifts may be sent to Benjamin’s Hope.