Obituary

Remembering Ellen Jan Boice

Ellen Jan Boice, age 64, of Hudsonville died on Sunday, June 25, 2023 as a result of injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle while out walking. Because she participated in the organ donor program, the lives of 17 other individuals and their families were blessed by Ellen’s generosity. Born July 10, 1958, to Jan and Dan Boice, Ellen grew up in Jenison and attended Jenison Christian Schools and Hudsonville Unity Christian High School. She earned a BA (cum laude) in business administration from Aquinas College where she also pursued graduate studies. Ellen’s career included finance and administrative positions at Georgia Pacific in Atlanta, the Donnelley Company in Holland, and a number of roles at Steelcase until her retirement in 2021. Ellen served for many years on the Jenison Christian School Foundation and taught Sunday School at Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church for more than 20 years. Ellen had a love for animals and served with the Harbor Humane Society on the Board of Trustees and as a faithful volunteer. Ellen was a strong woman of faith. She was preceded in death by and now rejoices with her parents in Heaven. Treasuring Ellen’s memory and her distinctive personality are her brothers, Paul (Amy) Boice and Dan (Shari) Boice and her adored nephews, Taylor (Janna and children, Quinn, Ryne, and Rhys), Brennan (Anna), and Daniel (Kate). She will also be dearly missed by her beloved aunts, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church, 3617 Hillcrest Rd. Hudsonville with Rev. Curt Walters officiating. Burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday, June 28 from 6-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Harbor Humane Society or Jenison Christian School.

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Funeral Service

Thursday, June 29 · 11:00am

Location

Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church

3617 Hillcrest Rd.
Hudsonville, MI 49426

Guestbook

Tribute Messages

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I'm so very sorry for your loss. Ellen was such a joy to be around. I'll never forget one morning where I arrived early into the office at Steelcase with birthday treats. Ellen stopped by my workstation and asked how old I was. My response was "I'm the same age as my birth year". She then blurted out "58"! I often wondered how she figured that out so quickly. I now see that she was born in the same year as me 😊. May she enjoy that glorious reunion with your parents in heaven. Praying you all find comfort in how many people she touched over the years.

— Karen Sadler

My deepest condolences to Ellen’s family for their loss. As a fellow Steelcase early riser I spent many a morning visiting with Ellen and getting our days started. She was a genuinely kind and caring person.

— Arthur Bird

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Ellen at Steelcase. She was always the first one in the office she had such dedication to her friends and team members here. She was always smiling lifting everyone up. She also helped me tame the feral cats around my home and will never forget her patience and kindness she was like an animal whisperer she tought me so much. Even how to do the 'slow blink' to get cat to trust you. I loved her stories on her cats Davey, Tazo and Harrison the last few years and all their medical needs she attended to for them she loved them so much too. I have two precious tamed cats now still to this day because of Ellen. - Suzanne Olsen

— Suzanne Olsen

On behalf of the Aquinas College faith community, I extend our sympathy upon Ellen's death. God grace you, her family, with Gratitude and Peace as you celebrate her life and Risen Life in Christ. Be assured of our prayerful support.

— Sister Mary Ann Barrett, OP

Ellen was a wonderful person and truly had a heart to love people. She always had a smile and a funny story to pick up your work day or mood. She was the kind of person that lifted everyone else up.

— Jason Griffen

What a sad news to get my day started. So sorry for your loss. I was a pleasure to meet and work with you at Steelcase, Ellen. "Mon profond regret et mes sincères condoléances à sa famille".

— Stephan Soulet (former Steelcase French colleague)

Ellen will be greatly missed at Harbor Humane. She was such a compassionate voice for all of the animals.

— Wendy Swift

I met Ellen about age 4/5. I was about a year older. As neither of us had a sister, we bonded quickly! School summer vacations together were many! Always something to remember. You were such a wonderful friend. You were the lucky one having a cat. I so envied you! Although life events after high school seemed to keep us apart, there were various events that had me thinking of you. Your posts of the Animal Humane work, had me chuckling over a couple of the little cats you had - lol just a few years ago! You were such a special person in my life. I could regale stories of our time together, but more tribute than time has now. You are alive in my memories of you! Always giving! Heaven has gained a special angel!

— Darlene (Vanden Engel) Lynn

From being my childhood babysitter to being my kids’ worship center teacher Ellen was a part of my life for many years. To the Boice family I offer my deepest sympathies and pray that you may be given strength and comfort in the days and weeks to come.

— Cheryl Vanderwell

Ellen was a valued member of our Harbor family. She was a trusted board member, amazing volunteer, and a wonderful friend. She made so many people and animals feel welcome at Harbor Humane. I am forever grateful for her for her mentorship, her sense of humor in difficult times, and her limitless love for the animals we serve and the people we work with. I know she is playing with so many dogs and cats up in the great beyond. Ellen- the hole you have left is immeasurable. Much love to all who knew her and all who feel who her loss.

— Jen Self-Aulgur

I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Ellen for a while at Steelcase on the EIM team. We often talked about our cats and the fun things they did. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Lori Bailey

— Lori Bailey

I am so sorry for your loss. Ellen was wonderful to work with. I had the pleasure of working with her for a few years at Steelcase.

— Sean Maranda

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