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ALBERT BURSMA Obituary

BURSMA, Albert Jr. Of Brewster, MA, formerly of Sudbury, MA died unexpectedly on February16, 2012 of a massive intracranial hemorrhage. He was 74. Al was born in Holland, MI and received his B.A. from Hope College, MI and received his M.A. from University of Redlands, CA. He was well respected in the educational publishing industry and had a successful and illustrious career retiring from Houghton Mifflin in 2004 as President of the School Division. His commitment to educational opportunity and resources for all students was evident from his early years as a high school teacher. Al was very active until the end enjoying family, friends, and travel. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Phyllis B. Bursma of Brewster, MA, their daughter, Jane B McDonald and her husband Michael, McLean, VA, their son James, and his wife Amy, Sudbury, MA as well as his beloved grand-children, Matt and Topher McDonald, Cassie and Jessie Bursma. He is also survived by his brother Frederick Buursma, and wife Donna, Clearwater, FL, sisters Lillian Tinholt, Grand Rapids, MI, and Patricia Levy and her husband Richard, San Diego, CA, and numerous nieces and nephews. His sister Clara Jean DeVree, Holland, MI, preceded him in death. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions in Al's memory be made to a local Hospice organization or to a charity of the donor's choice. A memorial service is being planned for early summer.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Feb. 21 to Feb. 22, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for ALBERT BURSMA

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February 27, 2012

Praying for your family...

Anita Gildea

February 27, 2012

So sorry for this incredible loss. Al touched so many lives - everyone and anyone he came in contact with. I share with others that feeling of privilege of being mentored by him and a profound gratitude for the impact he had on
my career. May the memory of his kindness and smile sustain us all.

Jackie Power

February 27, 2012

Heartfelt condolences to the Bursma family.

February 27, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sincerely

Ana Baez

February 27, 2012

Our condolences to the family and friends of Al, know that you are on our hearts & in our prayers.

Matthew 11:28-30
28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

God Bless

Randy and Deb Bosch

February 25, 2012

I will cherish our last visit with Uncle Al,Aunt Phyllis and other cherished relatives last winter. He was so good to my parents throughout their years together on this earth. He now can reunite with them in Heaven and I receive great comfort in knowing that he is looking after them there as well.We will miss you Uncle Al and we extend our sympathy and love to all of your family.

George Logue

February 25, 2012

My condolences to Phyllis and the Bursma family. Al was an outstanding publisher and an even better person. It was a privilege to have known and worked with him.

Patricia Levy

February 22, 2012

Family was the most important thing in my brother's life. Al mentioned this at our family reunion just a few days before he passed away. He always asked about my husband and I and our two children and grandkids; and talked at length about his immediate family. He was most proud of the fact that he lived his personal and professional life with integrety. I hope he's enjoying his reunion with our older sister, Clara, and our parents, Albert Sr. and Jessie.
We miss you and love you very much.
Patricia & Richard Levy

.

February 22, 2012

February 22;2012
We were very fortunate to be family to
0ur B5rother Al Bursma.He was someone that was fun to be with,even tho we far away from eachother there were many times we were together and are so happy to have those memories. We followed his Basketball career through high school and colledge where ever he played as that time we lived in Micigan.It was avery big part of ourearly years. We were aways close and it was great how interested in evrery person in our large family, it mattered not if they were young or old he wanted to know what was going on in thier lives. What a wnderfull careing side to his life.We will alwways miss him and charish our memories and always love him dearly' God Bless.Donna and Fred Buursma Clearwater, Florida

Cathie & Ray Beckman

February 22, 2012

Uncle Al will be greatly missed. He enriched our lives in so many ways by his great sense of humor, his good advice and wonderful stories of growing up in Waukazoo. All the Hope College basketball games at the Civic center. We were all so blessed to be lucky enough to have him in our lives and his memory will live in our hearts always. Rest in peace Uncle Al. We Love You.

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