Sallie Boer

Sallie Frances Boer went to join her mother and father in Heaven on November 24, 2024. She lived a quiet life of contentment, grace, and love, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and warmth. She especially loved her children, Kristen Page (Ben), Sharon Morley (Gary), David Boer (Carrie), Patricia Boer, and Susan Lee (Gary), as well as her 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, all who will miss her spirited and gentle nature and her warm smile, which radiated love.

Surviving siblings include Bill White (Laura) of Grand Rapids, MI, and Shirley Black of Ann Arbor, MI. Sallie was preceded in death by her brother, Harry John (“Jack”) White, who is survived by his wife, Ruth White.

Sallie was born to Harry G. White and Marilyn Frances Van Leeuwen on January 23, 1930, and she lived until two months shy of her 95th birthday. Despite the tragic loss of her mother at the age of five and her father when she was 20 years old, Sallie maintained a cheerful attitude throughout her life. She was quick to laugh, even when being teased by her children or confronting the challenges of aging.

Sallie attended Michigan State University and earned an Associates Degree in Home Economics. While working for Butterworth Hospital as a housekeeping supervisor, she obtained several professional certifications. Her commitment to learning never wavered, and she resumed her college studies and obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Systems Management in 1987. She retired in 1999 and traveled to many foreign countries along with her daughters and travel groups.

In addition to spending time with her family, some of her interests included golf, bridge, cross-country skiing, playing the piano, and music, having attended many symphony performances over the years. She once won a golf club championship at The Elks (later called The Highlands), and she was an excellent bridge player and had a passion for the game.

Sallie spent 65 years in the house in which she raised her family on Northville Drive in Grand Rapids, MI, and the final year of her life in the compassionate care of the staff of Boulder Creek Assisted Living, where she shared a mutual affection with many caregivers. Everywhere she went, people quickly took a liking to Sallie and loved her radiant smile and good nature.

A public visitation will take place from 11:00 am until noon on January 4th at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI. A private ceremony for the family will be held following the visitation.

Memorial gifts may be made to Fountain Street Church or Feeding America West Michigan