With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gwendolyn Joan Borst, who left this world peacefully on May 5, 2025, at the age of 64, with her sons by her side.

Gwen was born on April 3, 1961, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She was president of the student council at Anne Chesnutt Junior High School. She attended 71st High School where she thrived in the Color Guard. She also enthusiastically coached a little league cheerleading squad, the Rockets. During her senior year her parents, Joan and Arthur, moved the family to Michigan. She graduated from Rogers High School in 1979. Her siblings all-time favorite childhood memory was when Gwen directed and choreographed  them in a lip-sync and dance performance of Gladys Night and the Pips' "Midnight Train to Georgia."

She was a woman of deep kindness, generosity, quiet strength, and unwavering love. Gwen loved books and had a sharp eye for spelling and grammar. She took pride in getting the words just right and you could always count on her to proofread. Good luck competing with her on "Words with Friends." She loved spending time in her garden—vibrant with  color, full of life, and tended with the same care and devotion she gave to her family. She loved to feed and watch the birds in her yard with Jeff as they enjoyed the greenery. She cherished her time at the beach and loved to "soothe her soul" by the ocean. She had a beautiful and contagious smile and was accepting and understanding of everyone.

She worked at Kellogg's for 41 years where she met her soulmate, Jeff. They worked side by side for many years. She met many other lifelong friends there that she always cherished. She enjoyed training people at Kellogg's, including her son Jacob.

Above all, Gwen was a devoted mother and wife. She and Jeff had a beautiful relationship that was envied by many. She was a constant source of love and support to her family. Her home was a place of warmth, comfort, and care—a place where her family could speak open and honestly. There were many great meals shared from Jeff's kitchen, and there was always the calming presence of someone who truly listened and understood. Gwen was a wonderful mother who fostered an environment that allowed her sons to be their authentic selves and thrive.

She is survived by her beloved sons Jacob and Curtis, and her cherished siblings: Karen (Thomas) Barefoot, Daniel (Renee) Porter, Julie (Robert) Hall, Donald (Mi) Porter, Kathleen (David) Deal, and Dwayne (Robyn) Porter and her brother-in-law William Philips. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly. She is preceded by her husband Jeff Borst, her mother Joan Porter, her father Arthur Porter, and her sister Betty Philips.

A service to celebrate Gwen's life will be held on May 24, 2025 at 3819 Havana Ave SW Wyoming, MI 49509 from 3-7pm. Friends and family are invited to attend and honor her memory.

Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched and every garden that blooms in her memory.

As Gwen always said, "Hug more. Life is good."