Bernadette Boring
Jul 24, 1944 -
Jun 9, 2026
On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 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 and Erma Dooling, Bernadette was raised in Detroit, Mich., with three older siblings, Joseph, Jerome and Marion. After graduating from Wayne State University with a B.A. in music education K-12, orchestra and choral, she completed her first teaching job and rewarded herself with her first car: a 1966 Red Chevy Malibu convertible. Her many career and personal achievements include teaching in the Anchorage School District for nearly 50 years and holding leadership roles in education and music committees. Her move up to Alaska in fall 1967 with best friend Cindy Pendleton proved her bravery, free-spirit, stubbornness 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, traveling, knitting, crocheting, volunteering, watching mysteries and, of course, teaching; she was outgoing, loyal, held her values, 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 challenged all to be their best. Throughout her teaching career, Bernadette shaped over 20,000 students. 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 and wife Merriliegh Boring; four children, Patrick, Heather, Makenna and Nicholas; and sister, Marion Kocian. The service will be held at St. Benedicts Catholic Church on July 15, 2026, at 3 p.m., 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: programs that support music education for children, assist women and families in need or serve those facing hardship in our communities.
Please direct any questions or memories to bboringmusic@gmail.com.
