Bernice Boschma

Bernice "Beeuwkje" Boschma, of Everson, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. She was 87 years old.
One of eleven children of Bouwe and Gerritje (Atsma) Speerstra, Bernice was born in Tjalhuizum, Friesland, The Netherlands, on April 6, 1938. Growing up on the family farm, Bernice enjoyed the farm life, including milking, which prepared her for her future role as a farmer's wife which she fully embraced. She met the love of her life in the Netherlands and he immigrated to California to follow his dairy farm dreams. After much pursuing, she accepted his proposal to join him in the USA and begin a life together.
Bernice married the love of her life, Hank Boschma, on June 22, 1961, in Artesia, CA. Together they had three children. They moved to Woodland, WA in 1962 and began their dairy business. In 1965, Bernice and Hank moved to Ridgefield, WA where through their strong work ethic they purchased their very own dairy farm. In 1979, they moved to Lynden, WA where they built their dream dairy farm.
Bernice and Hank enjoyed the personal connection that came with inviting the hay and grain salesmen into their home for coffee and homemade baked goods. Bernice had a true gift for hospitality-she loved welcoming guests and delighting them with her delicious treats. In 1996, Hank retired from the dairy farm but Bernice did not retire from baking. She continued to bake and bless people with her treats. They enjoyed traveling and playing cards with friends. Bernice was a dedicated mother and grandmother, otherwise known as Beppe.
In 2017, Hank passed away and after that Bernice continued faithfully attending her beloved Valley Church. She remained very involved in her grandchildren's lives.
Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Hank, and son Symon Boschma.
Bernice is survived by her daughters Gerry (Bruce) Kelly and Shirley (David) Rubbert; eight grandchildren Bonnie (Jordan), Dan (Janna), Joshua (TeAnna), Janice, Annie (Derek), Markelle (André), Grant (Kenadi) and Calei; nine great-grandchildren Autumn, Hank, Addy, Leo, Declan, Donna, Alexander, Noah and Cora. She will be greatly missed by her four beloved sisters in the Netherlands: Wiestke, Richtje, Griet and Gerrie.
You are invited to join family and friends for a 12pm Memorial service on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Valley Church, 904 Nooksack Rd., Nooksack with Pastor Kyle Hopkins officiating. To watch the memorial service livestreamed, go to www.facebook.com/GilliesFuneralHomeAndCremationServices.
Memorials may be forwarded to the Lighthouse Mission Ministries, PO Box 548, Bellingham, WA 98227.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.