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Shirley Mae Boersma (Wagner), age 76, died on Thursday, July 5, 2018. She was born on March 5, 1942, the youngest of 12, to Thomas and Anna Wagner. She is survived by her husband, Leonard Boersma and their children Scott and Barbi (Wittl) Boersma, Sheri (Boersma) and Andy McGrail, Sandy (Boersma) and Tim Gray, and Steve and Erin (Niewoonder) Boersma. In addition to her children, Shirley enjoyed being the proud Grandmother of 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Shirley was born in Harvey, Illinois and grew up on the family farm in South Holland, Illinois for the majority of her life. She was involved in various committees at Faith Reformed Church in South Holland, where she shared a love of nature and talent for gardening and crafting that she shared with her children and enjoyed her entire life. Shirley met Leonard Boersma while attending Thornton High School and the sweethearts married in July, 1961. The couple built their home in South Holland, where they raised four children and later built their cottage/retirement home on Corey Lake near Three Rivers.
She was the first to start a game of volleyball or Uno and spent thousands of hours driving and riding in the boat for her kids and many nieces and nephews. She was great for a tight hug, a warm smile and a piece of wisdom for her grandchildren. Every sporting event was always on the calendar- from elementary school through college, and there were few games that she and Len missed. Family events were always a priority and she instilled the value of family, faith, hard-work and dedication to everyone she met. She held a quiet yet strong presence in the lives of all of her children and always made sure to have taco salad, green stuff and bonket at every family gathering.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at Hohner Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 9, 2018 at Hohner Funeral Home with Rev. Brenda Deily officiating. Cremation will be conducted following services.
Memorial donations may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association. Envelopes available and may be sent to Hohner Funeral Home in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.hohnerfh.com.
