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.