Miss Helen Elizabeth Boer, aged 97, a life-long resident of Grand Rapids, passed away Friday, 9 Mar 2002, at her residence.

Miss Boer was born on 8 Sep 1904 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Rufus and Minnie (Wagner) Boer. She was preceded in death by her only sister, Catherine Fischer.

Her life endeavor was the education of youth in the Grand Rapids area. She attended and graduated from Congress Elementary School, Strong Junior High, Central High School, Michigan State Normal College where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree, and the University of Michigan where she received her Masters Degree. She was employed as an elementary teacher in the Grand Rapids School system from 1929 to 1949. She served as Principal of West Leonard and Harrison Park Elementary schools from 1949 to 1969. She also served as the President of the Department of Elementary School Principals from 1956 to 1958. Her work as an educator was honored by receipt of the 1949 Nellie Stevens Travel Fund – Grand Rapids Board of Education. She received the Certificate for Outstanding Education Leadership from the Michigan Assn of Elementary School Principals in 1959 and was awarded by the Highland Park Assn for writing the history of the Association booklet, Highland Park Yesterday and Today.

Her activities in the state and community included Life Member of Michigan Education Assn, Life Member of National Education Assn, Life Member of Michigan Assn of Elementary School Principals, Retired Teachers Assn of Kent County, Michigan Retired Teachers Assn, National Retired Teachers Assn and the Women’s City Club, Grand Rapids.

Miss Boer was a life long active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 E. Fulton, where Funeral Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday with her pastor, the Rev. Paul Krupinski, officiating. Friends may begin gathering at the church beginning at 12:00 noon.

Interment in Oak Hill Cemetery. For those who wish memorials in Helen’s memory may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Service, 4291 Cascade Rd SE at Kenmoor.

Transcriber: ES
Created: 31 Aug 2006
URL: http://kent.migenweb.net/obituaries/local/boerh.html