Dot Bergsma

As dear friends and family members will certainly attest, Dorothy Bergsma truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength and encouragement, even in the most difficult of times. Nothing brought Dot greater joy than surrounding herself with her loved ones. Her primary focus in life was fostering genuine and personal relationships with all around her, and she was well known for her fierce independence and passion for adventure. Deeply missed, Dot will be forever loved by those who knew her best.

The 1920s were certainly an exciting time to be alive in the United States. The “Roaring 20s,” as the decade is known, ushered in great economic and social change. Motion pictures became widely available in both color and sound, and ballroom dancing and jazz music became wildly popular as well. It was during these influential years before the Great Depression that Frank and Hilda (DeVault) Shores of Lowell, Michigan, were expecting the arrival of their baby. On January 2, 1927, Dorothy June made her entrance into the world at the family home on Sayles Road.

In many ways, Dot enjoyed a typical childhood of her generation. She was raised on the family farm as the middle child alongside her six siblings, Maxine, Eileen, Don, Carl, Willis, and Shirley. As a girl, Dot liked playing with paper dolls, but could hold her own playing ball with her brothers and the boys in the neighborhood. She attended a one-room schoolhouse and worked for a local farm, picking onions. Dot graduated from Lowell High School in 1944 and embarked on a thrilling adventure hitchhiking to Colorado. She moved to Grand Rapids during the tumultuous years of WWII and began working for McInerney Spring and Wire Co.

Exciting changes were on the horizon for Dot as she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Oscar “Mike” Bergsma, and the two first met as coworkers at McInerney. Mike had recently returned from his service in the United States Navy, and he immediately caught Dot’s eye. She needed a ride home for the weekend, and Mike was happy to volunteer. The couple began dating, and their relationship quickly blossomed as they fell deeper and deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Dot and Mike were married on January 16, 1948. The newlyweds then settled into an apartment for a few years before setting their sights on building their dream home on his family homestead.

Of all the things Dot loved in life, she cherished her family above all else. She and Mike were overjoyed to welcome their three beloved children, Tambrey, Kim, and Michael, into their hearts and home. Dot thrived in her role as a mother, and family was her utmost priority. Her door was always open to nieces, nephews, and all extended family. The Bergsma family enjoyed camping trips to Ludington State Park and even a memorable vacation to Disney World. Holidays were always spent with family. Later in life, Dot was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and doted on them whenever she could. Dot would often watch the grandchildren while their parents worked. She was very involved in their lives and considered them her pride and joy. Dot was truly blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

For Dot, a passion for art led naturally into her career. She had a lifelong love for painting, sewing, and creating, and she soon discovered her talent for ceramics. Dot wanted to help support her family but desired to stay at home with her children, so she began offering ceramics classes and building a career for herself that would last over 60 years. She would host groups of up to 17 people four times every week. At times, there would be a 3 year waiting list to get into one of Dot’s classes. The family was always willing to help out and join in on the fun. Dot found so much happiness and fulfillment in both her art and her teaching.

Never one to sit still for long, Dot pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She cultivated a beautiful garden and could spend hours tending to her flowers while Mike worked in the yard. Dot loved making her own dolls, doing everything from sculpting and painting their faces to hand-beading the clothes. Over the years, she amassed an impressive collection, and she would often give the dolls away as gifts as well. Dot and Mike enjoyed visiting family in Florida. To grow in her longtime faith, she attended Calvary Church for a time and then Standale Baptist Church. Dot’s faith was quiet but rock solid, and she firmly believed in the importance of caring for others and being a good, moral person. She often read and cross-referenced her Bible.

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Dorothy Bergsma, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and unconditional love for her family. She was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and she faced every challenge that came her way with unyielding determination. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Dot was the foundation of her family. Her insatiable zest for life could be felt by all those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, Dot leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Dorothy “Dot” June Bergsma, age 98, passed on to her heavenly home January 18, 2025. Dot was born January 2, 1927 in Lowell to the late Frank and Hilda (DeVault) Shores. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Oscar Bergsma; and her six siblings. Dot taught ceramics from her home for over 60 years, multiple generations have enjoyed her teaching and creativity. She always had an open door for her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Dot is survived by her children, Tambrey Clifton, Kim Cole and Michael Bergsma; grandchildren, Quinn (Thayer Greenberg) Clifton, Michael Clifton, Mathew Clifton, Amy (Gyve Safavi) Cole, Collin Cole, Katie Bergsma, Kelly Bergsma; great granddaughters, Ellie and Tara; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11 AM at Standale Baptist Church, 3714 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with her family beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. To read more of Dot’s Life Story, to leave a memory or sign the guestbook please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.