Shirley A. Borgman

Shirley Ann Borgman (Kubicek), age 89, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and treasured memories.

Born on February 3, 1937, in Au Gres, Michigan, to Bohmil and Erma Kubicek, Shirley grew up enjoying an active life. As a young girl, she participated in gymnastics and cheerleading, and loved getting dressed up to go dancing. It was through dancing that she met the love of her life, John L. Borgman, beginning a partnership that would grow into a family of five children and generations of memories.

Following their marriage, Shirley embraced her role as a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She had a natural gift for caring for others and making people feel welcome. Her home was a gathering place, especially during the holidays, when she loved hosting celebrations and bringing everyone together. She was also known for her homemade beef BBQ, a special reward for anyone who helped with a big house project!

Affectionately known as "ShuflinSurle," she was compassionate, supportive, genuine, and friendly. She had a happy-go-lucky spirit and an upbeat, positive outlook on life. She spoke her mind with grace and carried herself with a quiet confidence. Though never one to demand attention, her presence and impact were profound.

Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life. A devoted Catholic, Shirley shared her faith freely and carried it into her everyday life through the kindness and compassion she showed others.

Shirley enjoyed experiencing all that life had to offer. She loved swimming, traveling, sightseeing, and exploring new places. She found joy in gardening, especially tending to her flowers, as well as crafting, scrapbooking, and playing games with family and friends. She treasured family history and genealogy, taking great care to preserve photographs, keepsakes, and memories for future generations. Through her knitting, crocheting, and handmade creations, she blessed countless others with thoughtful gifts.

Above all, Shirley cherished her family. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, teaching them to bake, sew, and crochet, playing games, and passing along traditions. She took pride in her appearance, enjoyed a predictable routine, and appreciated life's simple pleasures, whether a good steak, a bowl of soup, or a rum and Coke. Her organized and thoughtful nature was evident in everything she did, and even now, her family continues to discover little notes and reminders that offer glimpses into the care she took in her everyday life.

She is lovingly remembered by her five children: John Borgman (Kelly McArther) of North Muskegon, Michigan; Deborah Nienhouse (Anthony) of Fruitport, Michigan; Judith Nelson (Michael) of Fruitport, Michigan; Rebecca Halverson (Bruce) of Tennessee; and Nancy Knutson (Scott) of Rockford, Michigan.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: John Brian Borgman (Jessica) of Ravenna, Michigan; Sean Borgman of Muskegon, Michigan; Megan Merkins (Jay) of Nunica, Michigan; Kristina Padilla (Andrew) of Muskegon, Michigan; Jacob Nelson of Fruitport, Michigan; Amber Richardson (Halverson) of Ohio; Ryan Halverson (Courtney) of Ohio; Ashlyn Osbun (Paul) of Rockford, Michigan; Marissa Greenman (Dakoyta) of Rockford, Michigan; and Austin Knutson of Rockford, Michigan.

Her legacy continues through her beloved great-grandchildren: Desmond, Lilah, Jaymeson, Julien, Juniper, Josephine, Sophie, Isla, Wyatt, Miles, Ellie, Wade, Harper, Brigham, Liam, and Elliott.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John L. Borgman; her grandson, Brandon; her sister, Patricia Sabo Walters; her brother, Nicholas Kubicek; and her parents, Bohmil and Erma Kubicek.

Shirley was a joy to be around and will be missed and remembered dearly by all who knew and loved her. She aged with grace, embraced life with a positive spirit, and made those around her feel special. Her love of family, devotion to her faith, and the memories she created will continue to live on through the generations.

She leaves behind a family rooted in love, a legacy strengthened by faith, and a lifetime of memories to be cherished forever.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s name to St. John Paul II Catholic Church or Faith Hospice or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family will greet friends 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 5 at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, Cedar Springs, with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. Celebrant Rev. Fr. Lam Le. Interment Mona View Cemetery, Muskegon.

Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.