PHYLLIS ANN BOORSMA (MILLER)
September 1, 1955 – April 19, 2024
Phyllis Ann Boorsma (Miller), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated educator, departed from this world on April 19, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and inspiration. She entered this life in Gaylord, Michigan on September 1, 1955, and grew up to become a beacon of compassion and resilience.
Phyllis' life was marked by love and adventure. After graduating from Lewiston High School in Johannesburg, Michigan, she pursued her passion for education at Lake Superior State College. It was during her college years that she met the love of her life, Dale Boorsma. Their union on September 8, 1979, blossomed into a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. This year they anticipated celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary.
Dale and Phyllis embarked on a journey that took them to Atlanta, Georgia; Woodville, Georgia; Ardmore, Alabama; Elkton, Tennessee; and Sheridan, Arkansas before finally settling in Bakersfield, California. Along the way, they welcomed three wonderful children, Jeremiah, Rebecca, and Stephanie, who were the pride and joy of her life.
As a mother, Phyllis' love knew no bounds. She cherished every moment spent with her children and later, with her grandchildren. Being a grandmother was a role she embraced with unmatched joy and tenderness. She left an indelible mark on the hearts of her grandchildren.
Phyllis' professional life was defined by her dedication to nurturing young minds. For nearly four decades, she poured her heart and soul into educating countless children, instilling in them a love for learning and the magic of books. Her tenure of 25 years at Wayside Elementary was marked by her unwavering commitment to her students and colleagues, who held a special place in her heart.
Phyllis faced multiple battles with cancer with extraordinary courage and grace. Her resilience inspired all who knew her. She leaves an enduring legacy of strength and hope.
Phyllis is survived by her devoted husband, Dale, her children and their spouses Jeremiah and Trish, Rebecca and Brandon, Stephanie and Kevin; her six cherished grandchildren, Benjamin, Jameson, Theodore, Kensington, Johannes, Hayden; four siblings Harvey, Ward, Dolly, and Bill.
A celebration of Phyllis' life will be held at Olive Knolls Church of the Nazarene at 6201 Fruitvale Ave, Bakersfield, California at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 4, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wayside Elementary or City of Hope, an organization that provided precious time with Phyllis during her courageous battle. Donations can be made in Phyllis' honor at https://www.cityofhope.org/giving/give-honor-or-memory.
Phyllis' light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were touched by her love and kindness.