Lois June Gouwens was a woman who lived a life filled with love, family, and travels. Born on February 14, 1928, in South Holland, Thornton Township, Cook, Illinois, her journey took her from the Midwest to the sunny climes of California. Her story is one of resilience, love, and, above all, the strength of family bonds.
Early Life and Background
Lois June Gouwens was born in the heartland of America, in the small town of South Holland in Illinois. This Midwest upbringing would shape her life and values, even as she later moved to various parts of the country. From an early age, Lois demonstrated a strong sense of family, a value she would carry with her throughout her life.
Her early years were spent in South Holland, where she was surrounded by the comforting familiarity of small-town life. This environment would play a significant role in her later years, instilling in her a love for home and family that would become a central part of her identity.
Family Heritage and Ancestry
Lois June Gouwens was the proud bearer of a rich Dutch heritage. Her ancestry traced back to the Netherlands, with records indicating that she was a “Dutch emigrant after 1928”. This heritage was a source of pride for Lois, who carried her family’s traditions and values with her throughout her life.
Her mother, Virginia, was a strong and loving figure in Lois’s life. The bond between mother and daughter was a powerful one, shaping Lois’s understanding of family and love. This bond would also influence Lois’s approach to her own role as a mother, instilling in her children the same values she had learned from her mother.
The influence of Lois’s Dutch heritage extended beyond her family’s traditions and values. It also shaped her worldview and approach to life, instilling in her a strong sense of resilience, determination, and love for family. These values would guide her throughout her life, influencing her actions and decisions.
Lois’s ancestry was more than just a part of her identity; it was a link to her past, a source of strength and inspiration, and a legacy that she would pass down to her children. Her Dutch heritage was a vital part of who she was, and it continues to live on through her family.
In the journey of Lois June Gouwens, we see a life richly lived, marked by love, resilience, and a strong sense of family. Her story serves as a reminder of the power of family bonds, the importance of heritage, and the enduring legacy that each of us leaves behind.
Marriage to Rolland F. Bertrand
Lois June Gouwens entered a new chapter in her life when she married Rolland F. Bertrand in the year 1949. She was just 20 years old at the time. The marriage was a significant milestone, marking the beginning of their journey together as a family.
Marriage brought new experiences and challenges, but Lois faced these with the same resilience and determination that she had demonstrated throughout her life. With Rolland by her side, Lois began to build a life that was centered around love, family, and community.
Life in Illinois: Residences and Community
After their marriage, Lois and Rolland settled in Riverdale, Cook, Illinois. Illinois was a familiar place for Lois, who was born and raised in the state. The couple made their home in various locations across Illinois, including Blue Island, Cook County, and South Holland.
These residences were not just places to live; they were communities that Lois became a part of. Her life was deeply intertwined with the people and the culture of these towns. It was in these communities that Lois nurtured her family, made lasting friendships, and played an active role in making her neighborhood a better place.
Children and Family Life
The union of Lois and Rolland resulted in the birth of their three children: Marcheline, Raleigh, and Debbie Bertrand. Lois’s role as a mother was one of the most important aspects of her life. She took great pride and joy in raising her children, instilling in them the values that she held dear.
Her family was her world, and she went above and beyond to ensure that her children had a happy and fulfilling childhood. Lois’s love for her family was evident in the way she cared for her children and how she dedicated herself to their upbringing.
Her children were a reflection of Lois’s own values and principles. They were raised with the same love for family, strength of character, and resilience that Lois embodied. The lessons she taught her children would serve them well in their own lives, shaping them into the individuals they would become.
In Lois’s life, her journey through motherhood was a testament to her strength, love, and dedication. She poured her heart and soul into raising her children, providing them with a strong foundation upon which they could build their own lives. Her story is not just about her own experiences, but also about the love and dedication she had for her family.
Later Years and Passing
Lois June Gouwens Bertrand’s journey led her to various parts of the United States. She moved from the small towns of Illinois to the vibrant city of Beverly Hills, California. Despite moving across the country, she carried with her the values and traditions she had acquired from her Midwest upbringing.
Her resilience and love for her family were evident in the way she navigated these changes. However, life threw a curveball at Lois when she was diagnosed with cancer. She fought the disease with the same spirit of determination she had exhibited throughout her life.
Unfortunately, Lois’s journey came to an end on November 11, 1973. She was 45 years old when she passed away in Beverly Hills, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and family values. Her passing was a sad occasion, but her memory and influence live on through her children and their descendants.
Legacy and Influence on Future Generations
Lois June Gouwens Bertrand’s life was a testament to the power of love and family. Her values of resilience, determination, and love for family were passed down to her children, shaping their lives and the lives of future generations.
Through her children – Marcheline, Raleigh, and Debbie Bertrand – Lois’s legacy continues to thrive. They continue to uphold the family traditions and values that Lois instilled in them. They carry forward her love for family, her strength of character, and her spirit of resilience.
Lois’s influence extends beyond her immediate family. Her life story serves as an inspiration for those who knew her and for future generations. She showed us that no matter the challenges we face, we can overcome them with determination, love, and support from our family.
Burial and Memorial
After her passing, Lois was laid to rest at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, Cook, Illinois. This was a fitting final resting place for Lois, who was born and raised in Illinois and had a deep connection with the community there.
The cemetery serves as a place of remembrance for Lois, where family, friends, and loved ones can pay their respects. It is a place where her memory continues to live on, serving as a reminder of her life and the values she stood for.
Conclusion: Remembering Lois June Gouwens
Looking back at the life of Lois June Gouwens, we see a woman of strength, resilience, and boundless love for her family. Her journey took her from the small towns of Illinois to the bustling city of Beverly Hills, but through it all, she held onto her family values and traditions.
Lois’s life may have ended, but her influence continues to live on through her children and their descendants. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of family bonds and the impact one life can have on many others. As we remember Lois, we celebrate her life, her love, and the legacy she left behind.
