ALBERT BURSMA Jr.

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.