Kathleen Ilo Buurma, age 90, of Celeryville, died Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Mercy Health- St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo.
Born March 25, 1935, in New Haven, she was the daughter of the late Earnest James “Katy” and Ilo N. (Echelbarger) Atyeo. She graduated from New Haven High School in 1953. Later that same year, she married James M. Buurma, and together they shared 63 years of marriage before his passing on February 28, 2016.
A very active member of the Willard Christian Reformed Church, Kathleen participated in many church ministries, including church decorating, the hospitality team, prayer meetings, and Bible study. She also loved gardening and was often found tending to her yard and flowers.
Kathleen is survived by her three sons and daughters-in-law: Michael (Sheila) Buurma of Celeryville, David (Laurie) Buurma of Napa, CA, and Chadd (Barbara) Buurma of Celeryville; grandchildren: Rachel (Rob) Danhoff, Alanna (Joe) Bedingfield, Tara Hines, Doug (Beth) Buurma, Jon (Amber) Buurma, Rebecca Spiers, Jessica Buurma, Scott (Leah) Buurma, and Kyle (Rachael) Buurma; great grandchildren: Weston, Charlize, Reese, J.J., Ryann, Jade, Adelina, Pippa, Lola, Anneke, Caleb, Isaiah, Isaac, Aaron, Aria, Nathan, Walker, Rowan, Rhys, and Bennett; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
The last of her generation, Kathleen was preceded in death by her sisters: Phyllis Palmer, Pauline Williamson, and Janice Penwell; all of her Buurma in-laws except Ruth Sharpless; her parents; her husband; and her grandson, Brian Buurma.
To know Kathleen was to know two things about her: First, she was a woman of the Holy Bible which she studied every day for most of her life. She not only knew of the Lord, but she knew the Lord. Second, she was a woman of prayer. She always kept a prayer journal by her favorite chair, and she prayed daily for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Kathleen will be buried with her husband, Jim, in Maple Grove Cemetery, New Haven. The family will have a private graveside memorial at a date yet to be determined.
Care for Kathleen and her family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Condolences may be left on their website (Penwell Funeral Home) or Facebook page.
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was the most polite, funny and personable woman I ever knew. Keep all your memories in your heart. Prayers for all of you.
I never knew Kathleen, but have heard many stories about her from Tara, who is a dear friend of mine. In this way, I have come to see how she shaped lives around her. May all of her best features live on in those who love her.
To the Buurma family, I am so sorry to hear this news. I got to know Mrs Buurma when I ran around with Chadd in high school! She was always so friendly and nice to me. Her memory will last forever!
We were sorry to hear of your loss, Kathy was an amazingly special person and obviously a wonderful mom.
We enjoyed her company, friendship
and steadfast character
She was a model of a life well lived and will be missed
Our prayers are with the family even as we recognize that she has moved on to her forever home and she is fulfilled
My Mom, Martha Postema, always had the most fun when she was with “Kath”. As first cousins they shared a life long friendship that continued until Mom died. Dad knew Jim from school so the four of them enjoyed many good times. Their generation is mostly gone, but they have left their mark on us children. My condolences Mike, Dave and Chadd.
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to your family