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In Memory of

Bourestom, Caroline McAlister

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Obituary
Tribute Wall
Obituary of Bourestom, Caroline McAlister

Caroline McAlister Bourestom passed away on November 8, 2019 in Dallas, Texas at the age of 86. Caroline was gentle and generous, always providing encouragement to others. She lived a full life. She loved to travel, enjoyed the arts in any form, and had a passion for education, reading and life-long learning. She was an enthusiastic shopper and her talents in cooking and entertaining and were appreciated by many. Caroline’s enduring grace, calming presence, charming conversation, steadfast support and practical wisdom will be deeply missed by family and friends. Daughter of Don and Clare McAlister, Caroline Agnes was born in Emporia, Kansas and grew up in Wellington, Kansas as the first of six children. She studied Occupational Therapy at Texas State College for Women (now Texas Woman's University) in Denton, Texas where she was active in student government, debate and drama and in 1953 served as Grand Worthy Advisor of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls for the State of Kansas. While completing her Occupational Therapy training in Houston she met Norman Bourestom, a Clinical Psychologist and Gerontologist, and they were married in 1956 in Wellington, Kansas. Early in their careers they worked in Duluth, Minnesota; Tomah, Wisconsin; and Davenport, Iowa before moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota where son Robert and daughter Melissa joined the family. After a few years in Ann Arbor, Michigan, they settled in St. Cloud, Minnesota in 1973 where she resided for 26 years. Caroline enjoyed working with students and soon found a position as Advisor to allied health students at St. Cloud State University. She later became Assistant Director of Admissions at St. John’s Prep School in Collegeville, Minnesota and then returned to St. Cloud State University where she worked on a wide range of special projects for the Office of Academic Affairs and had the opportunity to travel with several of the school’s international study programs. A well-respected leader in the Central Minnesota community, Caroline was president of American Association of University Women, an Elder of First Presbyterian Church, and served on the Board of the Bremer Trust Company, The Minnesota Symphony, and The St. John’s Boys Choir among other activities. Caroline moved to Dallas in 1999 and joined Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church where she was President of the Garden Club for three years, a frequent hostess and chef for her Love Your Neighbor group, an active member of Good Books, and the driving force behind the PHPC Library Book Sale for many years. Caroline met John Davidson while volunteering for the PHPC Habitat for Humanity project and they were married in 2001. Continuing her community involvement in DFW, she was a volunteer for Dallas Meals on Wheels; twice President of The Country Gals of Country Place; a member, volunteer and fashion show model for The Carrollton Women’s Club; and a member of several book groups. Caroline is survived by her daughter Melissa of Dallas, Texas; son and daughter-in-law Robert and Kristan Bourestom of Carrollton, Texas; granddaughters Sarah Bourestom of Austin, Texas and Emily Bourestom of Carrollton, Texas; and her three sisters and two brothers and their families: Judith Kelly of Colleyville, Texas; Rebecca Hines of Denton Texas; Bill McAlister of Overland Park, Kansas; Tom McAlister of Wellington, Kansas; and Pam McAlister of Dallas. She was preceded in death by first husband Norman Bourestom in 1986 and second husband John Davidson in 2013. The family extends its gratitude to the care team of Anchor of Hope Hospice in Dallas and the staff and residents of Five Star Premiere Residences of Dallas. A memorial service followed by a reception, will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, 9800 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas. Memorials may be directed to the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church Library (9800 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75230) or the Carrollton Women’s Club College Scholarship Fund (PO Box 116780, Carrollton, TX 75011). Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.

Tribute Wall of Bourestom, Caroline McAlister

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  1. Stephen Chock says:

    I trained under Dr. Norm Bourestom Ph.D. at St. Cloud VA in 1983-84. Caroline was always the most gracious hostess, including me in their family dinners and canoe trips during two summers when Rob and Melissa were in high school. I will miss her kind heart and welcoming spirit. I will miss her, and my prayers go out to her entire family.

    Stephen Chock

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I trained under Dr. Norm Bourestom Ph.D. at St. Cloud VA in 1983-84. Caroline was always the most gracious hostess, including me in their family dinners and canoe trips during two summers when Rob and Melissa were in high school. I will miss her kind heart and welcoming spirit. I will miss her, and my prayers go out to her entire family.

  2. Queen Henderson says:

    When I met Caroline through Country Gals, we began to chat as we shared family stories and some of our health ailments. Shehad a pleasant smile and always wanted to know how I was feeling and I reciprocated with same question. She told be about some of her travels as I was indeed always interested. Take care Caroline!!

    Queen Henderson

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    When I met Caroline through Country Gals, we began to chat as we shared family stories and some of our health ailments. Shehad a pleasant smile and always wanted to know how I was feeling and I reciprocated with same question. She told be about some of her travels as I was indeed always interested. Take care Caroline!!

  3. Andrea Lamarsaude says:

    Caroline was an incredibly kind and caring person. She exuded joy and happiness. I will miss her very much! Sending all my love to you Melissa and Rob and your family.

    Andrea Lamarsaude

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Caroline was an incredibly kind and caring person. She exuded joy and happiness. I will miss her very much! Sending all my love to you Melissa and Rob and your family.

  4. Jeri Steffen Mauer says:

    Every six weeks I had the pleasure of tending to Carolines’s very curly hair. She was very proud of those curls and faithfully kept them shaped! I never tired of hearing her latest read or travel story. One of the kindest women Ive ever met and it was a pleasure to spend time with you! Peace & Love

    Jeri Steffen Mauer

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Every six weeks I had the pleasure of tending to Carolines’s very curly hair. She was very proud of those curls and faithfully kept them shaped! I never tired of hearing her latest read or travel story. One of the kindest women Ive ever met and it was a pleasure to spend time with you! Peace & Love

  5. Suzanne Hayter says:

    Caroline was such a joy to know. Because of her experiences, she brought so much to any conversation. I was always so pleased when she joined us library ladies for lunch. I will miss her.

    Suzanne Hayter

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Caroline was such a joy to know. Because of her experiences, she brought so much to any conversation. I was always so pleased when she joined us library ladies for lunch. I will miss her.

  6. Claire C. Grant says:

    Rest in peace, Dear Lady. You will be remembered with love.

    Claire C. Grant

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Rest in peace, Dear Lady. You will be remembered with love.

  7. Anne Davidson says:

    Caroline holds a special place in my heart as my fathers wife and loved member of the Davidson Family. Always gracious and welcoming to our family❤️

    She and my Dad shared many interests and love of Travel. She cared for him and our blended family as if we were her own.

    They would travel to Minnesota every couple of years to visit family and friends and at that time, I owned a specialty retail store. I remember them helping paint the upstairs gallery. Caroline loved to shop and support my business chalk full of handmade goods. We shared a love of art and all things handmade.

    Always gracious and welcoming when I visited Dallas. She hosted Dads 75th birthday and his memorial weekend celebration with grace and love.

    Caroline could run an Army with a small notebook. Always organized and prepared.

    I’m honored to count her as family and will miss her big heart. Rest in Piece Caroline❤️

    Sent from my iPhone

    Anne Davidson

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Caroline holds a special place in my heart as my fathers wife and loved member of the Davidson Family. Always gracious and welcoming to our family❤️

    She and my Dad shared many interests and love of Travel. She cared for him and our blended family as if we were her own.

    They would travel to Minnesota every couple of years to visit family and friends and at that time, I owned a specialty retail store. I remember them helping paint the upstairs gallery. Caroline loved to shop and support my business chalk full of handmade goods. We shared a love of art and all things handmade.

    Always gracious and welcoming when I visited Dallas. She hosted Dads 75th birthday and his memorial weekend celebration with grace and love.

    Caroline could run an Army with a small notebook. Always organized and prepared.

    I’m honored to count her as family and will miss her big heart. Rest in Piece Caroline❤️

    Sent from my iPhone

  8. Clair & Eleanor Ossian says:

    Your kindness and sparkling personality will be missed. The room lit up when you entered it and then everyone smiled and we all knew it was going to be fun. Thank you for everything. You have been a treasure to us all.

    Clair & Eleanor Ossian

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Your kindness and sparkling personality will be missed. The room lit up when you entered it and then everyone smiled and we all knew it was going to be fun. Thank you for everything. You have been a treasure to us all.

  9. Judy & Jim Reynolds says:

    We will always love you and miss you, precious friend. Suffering has ended and beautiful Eternal Life has begun.

    Judy & Jim Reynolds

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    We will always love you and miss you, precious friend. Suffering has ended and beautiful Eternal Life has begun.

  10. Linda Davidson says:

    Dear Melissa, Robert & Kristan and family, I send my deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mother. Caroline was a great sister-in-law and a wonderful, caring person who will be greatly missed.

    Linda Davidson

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Dear Melissa, Robert & Kristan and family, I send my deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mother. Caroline was a great sister-in-law and a wonderful, caring person who will be greatly missed.

  11. Judy Olney says:

    It was truly my honor and privilege to care for Caroline in the last months of her life. She became so much more than a patient she became my friend. She was one of the most loving gracious person to visit. We lost a beautiful soul a true lady but Heaven gained a treasured Angel. I love you Sweet Pea and continue to grieve our loss. Rejoice your suffering has ended but selfishly miss your sweet face. I will always treasure your friendship.

    Judy Olney

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    It was truly my honor and privilege to care for Caroline in the last months of her life. She became so much more than a patient she became my friend. She was one of the most loving gracious person to visit. We lost a beautiful soul a true lady but Heaven gained a treasured Angel. I love you Sweet Pea and continue to grieve our loss. Rejoice your suffering has ended but selfishly miss your sweet face. I will always treasure your friendship.

  12. Jill Kasper says:

    I consider myself fortunate to have been aquainted with Caroline. She was indeed one of them most gracious and positive people I have ever been around and thinking of her just makes me smile. I can only aspire to live my life with as much grace and hospitality. Caroline, you will be missed.

    Jill Kasper

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I consider myself fortunate to have been aquainted with Caroline. She was indeed one of them most gracious and positive people I have ever been around and thinking of her just makes me smile. I can only aspire to live my life with as much grace and hospitality. Caroline, you will be missed.

12 thoughts on “Bourestom, Caroline McAlister”

  1. I trained under Dr. Norm Bourestom Ph.D. at St. Cloud VA in 1983-84. Caroline was always the most gracious hostess, including me in their family dinners and canoe trips during two summers when Rob and Melissa were in high school. I will miss her kind heart and welcoming spirit. I will miss her, and my prayers go out to her entire family.

    Stephen Chock

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I trained under Dr. Norm Bourestom Ph.D. at St. Cloud VA in 1983-84. Caroline was always the most gracious hostess, including me in their family dinners and canoe trips during two summers when Rob and Melissa were in high school. I will miss her kind heart and welcoming spirit. I will miss her, and my prayers go out to her entire family.

  2. When I met Caroline through Country Gals, we began to chat as we shared family stories and some of our health ailments. Shehad a pleasant smile and always wanted to know how I was feeling and I reciprocated with same question. She told be about some of her travels as I was indeed always interested. Take care Caroline!!

    Queen Henderson

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    When I met Caroline through Country Gals, we began to chat as we shared family stories and some of our health ailments. Shehad a pleasant smile and always wanted to know how I was feeling and I reciprocated with same question. She told be about some of her travels as I was indeed always interested. Take care Caroline!!

  3. Andrea Lamarsaude

    Caroline was an incredibly kind and caring person. She exuded joy and happiness. I will miss her very much! Sending all my love to you Melissa and Rob and your family.

    Andrea Lamarsaude

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Caroline was an incredibly kind and caring person. She exuded joy and happiness. I will miss her very much! Sending all my love to you Melissa and Rob and your family.

  4. Jeri Steffen Mauer

    Every six weeks I had the pleasure of tending to Carolines’s very curly hair. She was very proud of those curls and faithfully kept them shaped! I never tired of hearing her latest read or travel story. One of the kindest women Ive ever met and it was a pleasure to spend time with you! Peace & Love

    Jeri Steffen Mauer

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Every six weeks I had the pleasure of tending to Carolines’s very curly hair. She was very proud of those curls and faithfully kept them shaped! I never tired of hearing her latest read or travel story. One of the kindest women Ive ever met and it was a pleasure to spend time with you! Peace & Love

  5. Caroline was such a joy to know. Because of her experiences, she brought so much to any conversation. I was always so pleased when she joined us library ladies for lunch. I will miss her.

    Suzanne Hayter

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Caroline was such a joy to know. Because of her experiences, she brought so much to any conversation. I was always so pleased when she joined us library ladies for lunch. I will miss her.

  6. Rest in peace, Dear Lady. You will be remembered with love.

    Claire C. Grant

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Rest in peace, Dear Lady. You will be remembered with love.

  7. Caroline holds a special place in my heart as my fathers wife and loved member of the Davidson Family. Always gracious and welcoming to our family❤️

    She and my Dad shared many interests and love of Travel. She cared for him and our blended family as if we were her own.

    They would travel to Minnesota every couple of years to visit family and friends and at that time, I owned a specialty retail store. I remember them helping paint the upstairs gallery. Caroline loved to shop and support my business chalk full of handmade goods. We shared a love of art and all things handmade.

    Always gracious and welcoming when I visited Dallas. She hosted Dads 75th birthday and his memorial weekend celebration with grace and love.

    Caroline could run an Army with a small notebook. Always organized and prepared.

    I’m honored to count her as family and will miss her big heart. Rest in Piece Caroline❤️

    Sent from my iPhone

    Anne Davidson

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Caroline holds a special place in my heart as my fathers wife and loved member of the Davidson Family. Always gracious and welcoming to our family❤️

    She and my Dad shared many interests and love of Travel. She cared for him and our blended family as if we were her own.

    They would travel to Minnesota every couple of years to visit family and friends and at that time, I owned a specialty retail store. I remember them helping paint the upstairs gallery. Caroline loved to shop and support my business chalk full of handmade goods. We shared a love of art and all things handmade.

    Always gracious and welcoming when I visited Dallas. She hosted Dads 75th birthday and his memorial weekend celebration with grace and love.

    Caroline could run an Army with a small notebook. Always organized and prepared.

    I’m honored to count her as family and will miss her big heart. Rest in Piece Caroline❤️

    Sent from my iPhone

  8. Clair & Eleanor Ossian

    Your kindness and sparkling personality will be missed. The room lit up when you entered it and then everyone smiled and we all knew it was going to be fun. Thank you for everything. You have been a treasure to us all.

    Clair & Eleanor Ossian

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Your kindness and sparkling personality will be missed. The room lit up when you entered it and then everyone smiled and we all knew it was going to be fun. Thank you for everything. You have been a treasure to us all.

  9. Judy & Jim Reynolds

    We will always love you and miss you, precious friend. Suffering has ended and beautiful Eternal Life has begun.

    Judy & Jim Reynolds

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    We will always love you and miss you, precious friend. Suffering has ended and beautiful Eternal Life has begun.

  10. Dear Melissa, Robert & Kristan and family, I send my deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mother. Caroline was a great sister-in-law and a wonderful, caring person who will be greatly missed.

    Linda Davidson

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Dear Melissa, Robert & Kristan and family, I send my deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mother. Caroline was a great sister-in-law and a wonderful, caring person who will be greatly missed.

  11. It was truly my honor and privilege to care for Caroline in the last months of her life. She became so much more than a patient she became my friend. She was one of the most loving gracious person to visit. We lost a beautiful soul a true lady but Heaven gained a treasured Angel. I love you Sweet Pea and continue to grieve our loss. Rejoice your suffering has ended but selfishly miss your sweet face. I will always treasure your friendship.

    Judy Olney

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    It was truly my honor and privilege to care for Caroline in the last months of her life. She became so much more than a patient she became my friend. She was one of the most loving gracious person to visit. We lost a beautiful soul a true lady but Heaven gained a treasured Angel. I love you Sweet Pea and continue to grieve our loss. Rejoice your suffering has ended but selfishly miss your sweet face. I will always treasure your friendship.

  12. I consider myself fortunate to have been aquainted with Caroline. She was indeed one of them most gracious and positive people I have ever been around and thinking of her just makes me smile. I can only aspire to live my life with as much grace and hospitality. Caroline, you will be missed.

    Jill Kasper

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I consider myself fortunate to have been aquainted with Caroline. She was indeed one of them most gracious and positive people I have ever been around and thinking of her just makes me smile. I can only aspire to live my life with as much grace and hospitality. Caroline, you will be missed.

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Share A Message Or Condolence

Add Photo Memories with Bourestom,

The maximum upload file size: 100 MB. You can upload: image. Drop files here