Annette Buurstra Vilaro LaMaire

Annette LaMaire (formerly Vilaro, nee Buurstra), 97, of Bradenton, FL, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Born on October 17, 1927, in South Holland, IL, she was the dear daughter of Luke and Stella Buurstra and sister of Sybeline Gross and baby Lois, who sadly died before her first birthday. She was the beloved wife to both her first husband, Rudy Vilaro, and after his passing, to Martin LaMaire. She was a devoted grandmother to Matthew and Brian Vilaro as well as the loving aunt of Barb, Donna, Judi and Linda and their families. Annette's education led her to the career of teaching but later she became a librarian at Calvin College in Grand Rapids and later at Northeastern Illinois University until retirement. Annette greatly enjoyed traveling around the world, whether on her own or with family and friends. She had a rich appreciation of art, culture and music, visiting museums and attending concerts. Above all, Annette had a strong and beautiful faith in God, her Lord and Savior. Her faith was nurtured at home by her devoted parents as well as through her education as she attended Christian schools from elementary age through college. She was a member of the Christian Reformed denomination since her baptism. She served and remained active in church through Bible studies and other ministries throughout her lifetime. Even though she could no longer attend services at Bradenton Christian Reformed Church, she faithfully watched online each week. Annette was also very involved in the Chaplaincy Program at her home at Waters Edge Assisted Living of Bradenton, as a member of the Chaplaincy Committee and by attending the Bible studies, chapel and vesper services regularly. She gave with a generous heart to the church, Christian schools and Christian ministries as well as to many other causes around the world that benefited those in need. She loved the Lord and was a good and faithful servant.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: World Renew - worldrenew.net - 8970 Byron Commerce Drive SW, Byron Center, MI 49315-7400; Rehoboth Christian School - https://www.rcsnm.org - PO Box 41 Rehoboth, NM 87322; Smile Train – smiletrain.org - PO Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090-6231; A charity of choice. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6
A Gathering will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 10 am followed by a Service to begin at 10:30 am at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209.
An Interment Service will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1881 Thornton Lansing Rd, Lansing, IL 60438.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Annette, please visit our Tree Store.