Misha Mishelle Dorland (43) passed from this earth into God’s hands peacefully on Tuesday May 28, 2024, surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer.
Misha graduated from Holland High School and went on to receive her Bachelor Degree in Education from Hope College in 2002. Upon graduation she proceeded to use her talents in Kenya for two years where she served as a homeschool teacher for a missionary family. Living in the bush in Kenya was a true reflection of her adventurous spirit and grit and was a season of life where she grew deeply in her faith. Upon return from Kenya she taught 2nd grade for several years at VanderBilt Charter Academy in Holland and also obtained her Masters Degree in Education at Cornerstone University. She then went on to teach at Black River Public Schools as a 4th/5th grade teacher which was a job and a community that she truly loved.
Misha loved teaching and always went the extra mile to make sure her students were successful in their studies. The most important role in life to Misha was being a mom to her two girls, Zuri & Zola. She always put their needs before hers, even when she was going through her own hard times. She filled their lives with fun activities and made sure they knew God’s love for them. The outdoors were always important to her and the last couple of summers she camped with the girls at her happy place in Croton. Misha was a swimmer and she wanted her girls to love nature and water as well. The girls especially enjoyed tubing behind Papa’s boat.
Misha had many friends that she cherished immensely and they all surrounded her with love and care during her journey. They were amazing, supportive and truly special. Her closest friends carried many burdens and supported her in ways that the family will forever cherish. Her long time bible study group meant the world to her and she attended it until the very end. Her faith was foundational in everything she did. Misha loved animals and she leaves behind her beloved dog Mocha, her cat Bobo, and her bearded dragon which lives in her classroom.
Misha was preceded in death by her grandparents, Henry and Elaine Laarman, and her brother, Travis Molter.
She is survived by her family who will cherish her memory and unconditional love: her daughters Zuri Marie (7), Zola Mishelle (5); her parents, John and Jan Boockmeier; her beloved sister, Mandi Schebor; her brother-in-law, Neil Schebor; her niece, Lily Schebor; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Misha’s mom superpowers are left behind for her daughters Zuri and Zola so they know she is always with them as they navigate life without her by their side.
Special thanks to all the doctors and nurses who navigated her through this hard journey. A special thanks to the ICU at Holland Hospital who cared for her with dignity in her last moments of life.
Funeral services are planned for 1:00pm Saturday, June 8, at The Foundry Church, 425 100th Ave., Zeeland, 49464. Dr. Tim Brown and Pastor Jeff Vander Molen will officiate. Tracey Hoesch will provide the eulogy. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation is scheduled for 5:00-7:00pm Friday, June 7, also at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shields of Hope West Michigan, Calvary C.A.M.P (Calvary Reformed Church) and Black River Public Schools. Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home and condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com.
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