Lois June Gouwens was the mother of American actress Marcheline Bertrand. She was born on February 14, 1928, in South Holland, Illinois, United States, and she was of German and Dutch ancestry; her ancestors had moved to the United States in the mid-1800s. Her parents were Royal Gerrit Gouwens and Virginia Jean Kasha.
Regarding her personal life, Lois June Gouwens was married once; she met Rolland F. Bertrand, with whom she kickstarted her love story. It is unclear when the two met, but they were together until Lois June died in 1973. In her marriage to Bertrand, the couple was blessed with three children: a son and two daughters.
Education and Career
Regarding her educational details, little is known, however, given that at the time of marriage, she was 21; she had probably studied up to at least the high school level. Besides, she was someone who loved education, and she saw to it that her children got the education they deserved. For instance, her daughter Marcheline Bertrand studied and graduated from Beverly Hills High School.
Moving on to her professional life, it seems Lois June was a stay-at-home mum who took care of her children while supporting her husband in providing for the family.
Her Daughter
Lois June’s daughter started her acting career in her early twenties. While studying acting, she met with various actors, including Lee Strasberg, the co-founder of the Group Theatre. Marcheline Bertrand got her first acting role in 1971 when she appeared in the supporting role of Connie in an episode of the television show Ironside.
As a starting actress, it was not easy for her; she did not get acting roles, but she never gave up. A decade later, Lois June’s daughter won a minor role in the film Lookin’ to Get Out. Her other credits include The Man Who Loved Women. Besides acting, Marcheline was also a producer, and she produced a documentary titled Trudell.
Her Daughter’s Humanitarian Acts
Marcheline partnered with John Trudell, and they founded the All Tribes Foundation; the foundation was founded to strengthen the tribal ways and culture of native people. When she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she co-founded the Give Love Give Life organization with her partner. The organization intended to raise awareness about cancers, including ovarian cancer.
Marcheline’s Personal Life
Lois June’s daughter was in several relationships; she first married actor Jon Voight, and they had two children; the two children are both actors. Marcheline and Voight separated in 1976, finalizing their divorce in 1978; Marcheline cited infidelity as the reason for their divorce. After separating from Voight, Lois June’s daughter dated Bill Day for over a decade, but they were never officially married. Before her death, she dated musician John Trudell.
Lois June’s daughter died in January 2007 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after battling breast and ovarian cancer for over eight years.
Death
Lois June Gouwens lived a good life, but it was cut short in 1973. She died on November 11, 1973, in Beverly Hills, CA, aged 45. The cause of her death was never mentioned, but some sources revealed that she was battling cancer. Her body was interred at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois, United States.
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