Barbara Jean Boonstra, age 91, passed away Monday, June 11, 2018, at Clark Retirement Community in the loving care of Emmanuel Hospice, Clark staff and her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Bill Boonstra; parents, Bill and Catherine Freemen; and sister, Peg Kramer. She will be lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Kathy (Gary) Holman, Bill (Francine) Kramer, Karen (Robert) Krestakos, Rick (Elizabeth) Boonstra, Janice (Robert) DeShazo; sister-in-law, Mary Boonstra; cousin, James (Nancy) Meyer; as well as many great-nieces and -nephews. Barbara was a proud graduate of South High School, Class of 1944. She earned her BA in Library Science from Western Michigan University and additionally received her Master’s from the University of Michigan. Barbara worked for the Grand Rapids Public Schools and spent part of that career at South High as their librarian. Barbara loved to travel, collect antiques, especially cranberry glass, and volunteer at Clark Home. She was an avid reader and an extraordinary storyteller. Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice, 2161 Leonard St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 or Clark Retirement Community Benevolent Care Fund, 1551 Franklin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
