Uda Marie Boardman

Uda Marie Boardman, lived, loved, and laughed her way through 75 years of a very full life before having a stroke while playing tennis in June. Marie was born on November 28, 1942, in Aurora, Illinois, and lost her brave fight to recover on December 14, 2017. Marie was the daughter of Gustaf and Dorothy (Granquist) Tornberg. Marie and her two younger brothers enjoyed a happy and active childhood. Marie grew up being very proud of her Swedish heritage. She was given the name Uda by her father. He said it characterized a person who is skilled, efficient, enjoys rivalries, and does not back away from hard work. He must have known the kind of woman she would become. She disliked the name, but as she grew older, she became proud of the unique name that reflected her strong will.

Marie graduated from Geneva High School in 1960. Marie was working as a secretary at Warners Co. when she met the love of her life, Dave Boardman. They were married on her 22nd birthday, November 28, 1964. After spending time in Geneva, IL, Eau Claire, and Marshfield, they settled in Appleton, WI where they have lived for 45 years. Marie and Dave raised two children, Beth and Brian. Marie worked hard at making their apartment business successful, and in her free time enjoyed tennis, golf, biking, camping, and traveling with family and friends. Marie especially enjoyed following her children’s and grandchildren’s tennis activities. She was very proud of them, and she cherished the time they spent together.

Marie also enjoyed volunteering at First United Methodist Church, Appleton. She is really missed at the church’s “Wednesday Night Live” event where she helped prepare and serve meals every week with a big smile and a cheerful hello to everyone.

Marie was always full of energy, and prided herself in being an optimistic and happy person. She touched many many people with her “glass half full” attitude. Marie loved being a snowbird with Dave in Orange Beach, AL. They also enjoyed special time throughout the year in Door County.

Marie will be deeply missed by her husband and best friend, Dave; daughter, Beth and her children Mackenzie and Connor Judd, Sherwood, and son, Brian (Amy) Louisville, KY; her dear mother, Dorothy Tornberg, Batavia, IL; brothers: Ken (Shirley) Tornberg, Marysville, Ohio; and Richard (Kathy) Tornberg, Elgin, Illinois; sisters-in-law: Betsy (Hal) Cantor, Hendersonville, NC; and Linda (John) Kerr, DeKalb, IL; many nieces and nephews; and great friends.

Marie was preceded in death by her father, and Michael Judd, father of Mackenzie and Connor; her in-laws, John and Kaye Boardman and Jack and Joanne Boardman, and a nephew, Dan Boardman.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at First United Methodist Church, 325 E. Franklin Ave., Appleton, with Pastor Dave Farina officiating. Friends may call on Friday at the church from 4-6 p.m., and again on Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials in Marie’s name may be made to the National Stroke Association and First United Methodist Church, Appleton.

Thank you to ThedaCare Medical Center, Neenah, and Oakridge Gardens for the kind and compassionate care Marie received.

Love you forever and ever, Punky! Dave
You will always be in our hearts, Mom—thanks for being our biggest cheerleader! Beth and Brian
We miss you, Nana! Mackenzie and Connor