Tamsin Troff

Tamsin Troff, age 69, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, peacefully in her home. She was born in Kalamazoo, MI and was raised in the Detroit area. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Michigan University, and her master’s from Grand Vally State College. She loved experiencing the beauty of this world and was incredibly grateful for so many things it has to offer, and of which she happily took advantage. Tamsin proudly taught in the Holland Public School District, where her students made her a better person. She loved their wit and intelligence and seeing them succeed was the ultimate gift. She often said that it was the perfect career choice and that HPS students, teachers, and staff are the best. She took pride in being an HEA AR for most of her career. As much as she was entranced by teaching, Tamsin always considered her most important job was that of being a parent and later a grandparent, and that she was richer as a result. Her children and grandchildren became her favorite humans: kind, respectful, hardworking and adventurers. She just couldn’t get over how cool they all are! (Her words) Tamsin and her family worked as a team. She always looked forward to hanging out with her siblings and in-laws. She considered herself to be extremely lucky to have been raised in a family that made the effort to continue fun traditions and have many get-togethers with all generations, regardless of living in multiple cities and states. Tamsin had many friends who were supportive soulmates. She was fortunate to have dear friends who went back decades. Connecting with them was a priority. She was especially thankful for the strong network of people who loved her as she lived out her health journey. Travel, art, reading, being outside in all kinds of weather, woods, volunteering, especially at HPS and the Holland Area Arts Council, and so many other activities kept life interesting. She was an optimist. When tough times happened, she looked for the silver lining. For example, her illness, Tamsin thought of her body as a giant science experiment, and was intrigued, wondering what was next. Regardless of any negative side effects, the journey was always interesting, and some could be learned. Although she would have liked to have had more conversations, gone to the cottage more, seen another set of seasons, taken more bike rides, read more books, hung a few more times with friends, and hugged her children, grandchildren and family more, she knew she had a wicked good life. She knew she was luckier than most people on the planet, which is why she cared deeply about those less fortunate. Tamsin asked, most importantly, be kind and fair to one another, and do the right thing. Tamsin was preceded in death by her father, Fredric Saunders Troff, and sister, Robin Troff Cornell (Paul). Tamsin is survived by her fabulous children; Erin (Jared) Boeve; grandchildren, Charlie Isla and Grace DuMez; son, John (Nicole) Bonzelaar, granddaughter arriving in January; her New York family, Phin (Sara) DeMink, grandchildren, Porter, Fletcher, Trey; mother, Mary Tyndall Troff; siblings, Nancy Troff (Michael Harrell), Bill (Paulette) Troff, Sarah Troff (Jaime Uribe), her beloved nieces and nephews; Angie Troff and family, Garrett Troff and family, Andres Uribe, and Catherine Uribe. A Memorial Service will take place at 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland, MI 49423. An Open House will immediately follow the memorial service from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Holland Area Arts Council, 150 E. 8th St. Holland, MI 49423. Friends, family and anyone who Tamsin inspired throughout the years are welcome to both or either to remember and celebrate her. Memorial contributions in Tamsin's honor may be given to one of the following organizations important to Tamsin; Holland Area Arts Council at www.hollandarts.org/donate or the Fellinlove Farm at www.fellinlovefarm.com. www.langelandsterenberg.com

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Tamsin Troff

December 9, 1954 - October 15, 2024