Harriet Elaine Bierling: Celebration of Life

Obituary for Harriet Elaine Bierling: November 2, 1939 – November 26, 2025.

Our precious Harriet Elaine Bierling went home to be with the Lord on November 26, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Colorado on November 2, 1939, Harriet lived each day with passion and a heart for everyone. Her life was marked by deep faith, devotion to her family and friends, and a gentle listening spirit that touched everyone who knew her.

Harriet made her home in California with her devoted husband, Pastor Bill Bierling, where together they built a life centered on love, compassion, and service. A natural nurturer, Harriet spent many years as a preschool teacher, shaping young hearts with patience, warmth, and creativity. Later in her career, she became an activities director at a retirement community in Redlands, where she brought joy, dignity, and purpose to the lives of countless seniors. Her gift for connecting with people-both young and old-was one of her greatest strengths.

Harriet will be remembered for her caring heart, listening ear, her quiet wisdom, and the steady love she offered so freely. She created a sense of belonging wherever she went – whether comforting a child in her classroom, encouraging a resident in the retirement community, or celebrating life’s simple joys with her family and friends. Her legacy is one of faith, kindness, and grace.

Harriet is lovingly survived by her children:
Curt (Kathy) Spykstra, Cindy (Paul) Trollinger, Tim (Patty) Spykstra, Linda (Dave
deceased) Nydam, Lori (Don deceased) DeYoung, Randy (Anne) Bierling.

Her pride and joy extended to her 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Each and everyone of them filled her heart with so much joy. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, held in the everlasting arms of her Savior. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love she
shared will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on December 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The River Christian Reformed Church in Redlands, California.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following:

Bountiful Hope Foundation - bountifulhopefoundation.org
Legacy Blessings & Legacy Hope - legacyblessingslegacyhope.com
Oceans Ministries – oceanministries.org