Obituary
Joan Louise Berzins, Greenwood, IN, passed away on Sunday,
April 28, 2024. She was 87 years old. Joan was born in New Milton, WV to her
parents, Peter and Edna Smith. She graduated from Doddridge High School. In her
youth, Joan’s church sponsored a family moving to the US from Latvia. From this
sponsorship, Joan met Alberts Berzins and the two fell in love. Joan married
her husband Alberts, on May 29, 1955, and they shared 60 years of marriage until
Alberts passed away on September 4, 2015.
Joan worked as an executive assistant for the senior editor
of the American Legion Magazine and retired after 35 years of dedicated service.
Joan was a lifetime Lutheran who was most recently a member of Risen Lord Church
for many years. Joan was a member of the
Fallen Angels club, the Engelbert Humperdinck Fan Club and the Letterman Fan
Club. Joan was a music lover who enjoyed traveling and boating in her spare
time. Joan has a fabulous collection of angel figurines she leaves behind for
her loved ones to enjoy. Joan was a devout believer in the Lord and leaves
behind a legacy of kindness and gratitude that her family will continue to
cherish for years to come.
Joan is survived by her children, Deborah Lynn (Mark) Traughber
and David Ray (Pamela) Berzins; her grandchildren, Kala (Craig) McCarty, David
Chrapla, and Amy Combs; her great grandchildren, Keahla Chrapla, Brielle
Chrapla, and Camrin McCarty; several nieces and nephews.
Joan is preceded in death by her parents; her husband(Alberts
Berzins), and four siblings.
A visitation for Joan will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024,
at Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The funeral service will
be on May 9, 2024, at 1:00 pm. Burial will immediately follow at Forest Lawn
Memory Gardens at 2:00 pm.
Donations
For those choosing to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests that donations be sent to Risen Lord Church. 3758 W Whiteland Rd, Bargersville, IN 46106.