Emilie Oosterwal-Tilstra, of Berrien Springs, MI passed away Friday, January 10, 2025 at Caretel Inns St. Joseph at the age of 94.
Emilie was born July 7, 1930 near Dortmund, Germany to Sjoerd “George” & Martha (Böbisch) Tilstra. She attended Newbold College of Higher Education in England. On October 31, 1957 she married Gottfried Oosterwal in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. After living in Indonesian New Guinea, the Philippines and The Netherlands, the Oosterwals settled in Berrian Springs. Emilie taught upholstery and woodworking at Andrews University before setting out on an entrepreneurial endeavor. Emilie was active in the Berrien Springs community as the owner of Blossomland Flower Shop for over 20 years. After retiring from her flower shop, Emilie volunteered at Neighbor to Neighbor in Berrien Springs and was part of the Antiquarians of St. Joseph. She enjoyed flowers as an avid gardener, was a voracious reader and loved to travel. Emile had a heart of gold and enjoyed being around children and animals.
Emilie is survived by her daughter Verona Valentine; sons Dantar Oosterwal and Erik (Susan) Oosterwal; grandchildren David Valentine, Audrey (Robert) Miller, Eva (Mason Bailey) Oosterwal, Erik-Philip (Kayla) Oosterwal and Matthew (Kate) Oosterwal; great-granddaughter Sophia Oosterwal; and brother Adolf Tilstra.
Emilie was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Emma, Karl, John, Fred, Ruth, Bill and Elfriede.
Those wishing to celebrate her life are invited to a gathering from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M., Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Starks Heritage Chapel, 8747 US 31, Berrien Springs, MI 49103. Those wishing to share a memory of Emilie online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Service Details
Visitation
When
June 1st, 2025 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where
Heritage Chapel
Address
8747 US 31
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Posted On: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 10:30 AM
