Bernadette Claire Boring

On Tuesday June 9th, Bernadette C. Boring passed away in the comfort of her home surrounded by loved ones. At the age of 81, we honor and celebrate a life fully lived and highlight the communities that shaped her as much as she shaped them. Born to Peter James Dooling and Erma Knoll Dooling, Bernadette was raised in Detroit, Michigan, with three older siblings (Joseph, Jerome, and Marion), she quickly learned to be bold, hold true to her opinions and values, and exude leadership qualities. She began private violin lessons when she was nine years old, introducing her to a passionate love for music and the arts. After graduating from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education K-12 (Orchestra and Choral), she completed her first teaching job and rewarded herself with her first car: a 1966 Cherry Red Chevy Malibu convertible. Her many career and personal achievements include Choir Director at the Catholic Cathedral, Union Building Rep. at Mears, Co-Director of the Jr. Youth Symphony, earning a Master of Arts from APU, teaching at Taylor Junior High on Ben Eilson Air Base, joined the Aero Club where she learned to pilot a small aircraft, and taught at Wendler, Dimond, and Mears for decades. Her journey and spontaneous move up to Alaska in the fall of 1967 with best friend Cindy Pendleton, traveling over 3600 miles with no cell phones, a driver’s seat that could only be adjusted with wrenches, and an unknown world in front of them, proved her bravery, free-spirit, stubbornness, determination and ability to dream. It was in Alaska she met future husband Dean Boring, giving birth to her only child James A. Boring in 1969.

Bernadette enjoyed reading, playing cards and bingo, gambling, travelling, knitting, candle-making, crocheting, volunteering, watching mysteries and whodunits, and of course, teaching. She also enjoyed cooking, and did some catering events back in the 80’s. Some organizations she was passionate about and volunteered with include the Alaska AARP, NEA, supporting her fellow educators, and representing the Teachers Union. Bernadette was outgoing, loyal, stayed true to her value systems, was highly motivated to have her students succeed and an excellent person to talk with. She valued her friends who were many, loved her family fiercely, and was always taking care of others. She was never content in stagnant situations and always found ways to take charge and challenge people to be their best. She was always generous. Over the course of her teaching career, Bernadette shaped over 20,000 students, between orchestra and choir students, substituting, private lessons and more. She taught long enough that she had grandparents, parents, and children of the same family. We are astounded at the number of lives she touched.

She is survived by her son, James Boring and his wife Merriliegh Boring, with four children (Patrick, Heather, Makenna, and Nicholas); and her sister, Marion Kocian, as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces, and loved ones.

Her family and loved ones will miss her dearly and are at peace knowing she can now rest with her Lord and reunite with her loved ones. The service will be held at St. Benedicts Catholic Church July 15th, 2026, at 3pm, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, our family kindly requests that memorial gifts be made in Bernadette's honor to organizations that reflect the values she lived throughout her life. Bernadette believed deeply in the importance of education, music, compassion, and creating opportunities for others. Donations may be made to programs that support music education for children, assist women and families in need, or serve those facing hardship in our communities.

The family also encourages acts of kindness in her memory—whether through volunteering, helping a neighbor, supporting a local charity, or simply extending the same generosity and grace that Bernadette shared with so many throughout her life.

Thank you for honoring her legacy by investing in the causes she cared about most.

Please direct any stories, questions, memories, and comments to granddaughter Makenna Boring at bboringmusic@gmail.com