Who is Lois June Gouwens?
Lois June Gouwens was a significant figure primarily known for her family connections to Hollywood royalty, though she preferred a more private life. She was the mother of actress and producer Marcheline Bertrand and the maternal grandmother of Oscar-winning actress, Angelina Jolie, and actor James Haven.
She was born in Illinois in 1928 and passed away in California in 1973 at the age of 45. Her early life was spent in the Chicago area before her family relocated to Beverly Hills later on. She was a mother of three and a grandmother whose legacy lives on through her famous descendants. Her heritage was rooted in Dutch (from her father’s side) and Polish (from her mother’s side) ancestry.
| Detail | Information |
| Born | February 14, 1928, South Holland, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | November 11, 1973, Beverly Hills, California, U.S. (Age 45) |
| Parents | Royal Gerrit Gouwens and Virginia Amelia Jean Kasha |
| Spouse | Rolland Frances Bertrand (m. 1949–1973) |
| Children | Marcheline Bertrand, Debra Jeanne Martin, and Raleigh Bertrand |
| Grandchildren | Angelina Jolie and James Haven |
A Life Lived Privately: The Journey of Lois June Gouwens
Lois June Gouwens began her life in the Chicago area, where she was raised by her parents. She married Rolland Frances Bertrand in Chicago in 1949, and they went on to have three children together. The family lived in Riverdale, Illinois, for a time in the early 1950s. A notable part of her life included owning a bowling alley with her husband in the Chicago area, as mentioned by her granddaughter.
In 1965, the family made a significant move from the Midwest to Beverly Hills, California. This relocation was a major change, placing her closer to the heart of the entertainment world. She remained private throughout her life, preferring to stay out of the spotlight. Her life tragically ended relatively young in 1973 in Beverly Hills at the age of 45.
Passing on a Legacy
She is remembered as the matriarch who laid the foundation for a family that would later become globally recognized. Her daughter, Marcheline Bertrand, spoke of her mother often, noting that her mother and sister also died of cancer. Lois June Gouwens’s quiet, family-focused life is often referenced in the context of her daughter’s and granddaughter’s successful careers, highlighting the strong familial bonds.
The distinction in her ancestry (Dutch and Polish) is important, as the German heritage often associated with the family came into the lineage through her daughter’s marriage. She left behind a growing family legacy that continues to make a mark in the entertainment and humanitarian sectors today.
Conclusion: The Quiet Foundation
Lois June Gouwens was a key link in a lineage that would ultimately capture global attention. From her birth in Illinois to her final years in California, she maintained a life primarily devoted to her family. While many details of her personal life and career remain private, her role as the mother of Marcheline Bertrand and grandmother to Angelina Jolie ensures her name is part of an enduring family narrative. She provided a solid, private foundation for her descendants.
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