Lois June Gouwens was born on February 14, 1928, in South Holland, Illinois—a small Midwestern town where family ties ran deep and values were rooted in tradition. Her life, though not lived in the limelight, became the foundation for future generations, including her granddaughter Angelina Jolie. From her early days in Illinois to her final chapter in California, Lois embodied the resilience, compassion, and enduring spirit of a woman devoted to her family.
Midwest Roots That Shaped Her Character
Growing up in South Holland during the 1930s and 40s, Lois was surrounded by the simplicity and structure of a tight-knit community. The town’s Dutch-American influence played a strong role in her upbringing. Her mother, Virginia, was a major influence, instilling values like respect, selflessness, and responsibility. These early lessons stayed with Lois throughout her life.
In her childhood, weekends were spent in church pews, while afternoons were filled with neighborhood conversations and large family meals. This environment taught Lois the importance of community, but also how much love and emotional grounding a strong family could provide. She learned early on that strength doesn’t always shout—it often whispers through daily actions.
Embracing Her Dutch Heritage
Lois was proud of her ancestry. Her Dutch roots weren’t just part of her lineage—they were a guide. Through stories passed down by her elders and the influence of family customs, Lois gained a quiet determination. She learned to handle life’s demands with poise, rooted in faith, patience, and an unwavering work ethic. These weren’t just traits she adopted—they were qualities she passed down.
She often credited her mother for helping her understand what it meant to care for others deeply. That nurturing side of her would later define how she approached marriage and motherhood. The bond between generations of women in her family helped shape her sense of identity and responsibility.
A Young Wife and Mother of Three
At the age of 20, Lois married Rolland F. Bertrand in 1949. Together, they began a new life built on partnership and shared dreams. The couple eventually welcomed three children: Marcheline, Raleigh, and Debbie. Each child brought their own joy and energy to the family, and Lois embraced motherhood with a full heart.
Raising children in the 1950s and 60s was no easy task, especially in a changing America, but Lois was consistent. Her parenting approach balanced structure and affection, discipline and understanding. She made sure her children knew the value of hard work but also that they were deeply loved. The family lived in various Illinois towns, including Riverdale and Blue Island, where Lois continued to involve herself in local life and built friendships that lasted decades.
At the time of her passing in 1973, Lois June Gouwens was just 45 years old. But during her lifetime, she left a lasting impact on her family that far outweighed her years. Her net worth wasn’t measured in financial terms—in fact, no public records detail personal assets or monetary status—but in terms of legacy, she was rich beyond measure.
A Move to California and New Horizons
Later in life, the family moved to California. It was a major transition from the quiet charm of the Midwest to the fast pace of Beverly Hills. But Lois adapted with quiet strength. The new surroundings opened different doors and experiences, especially for her children. Marcheline Bertrand, her daughter, would go on to pursue a career in acting and film, paving the way for her own daughter, Angelina Jolie.
Though Lois never lived to witness Angelina’s rise to global fame, her influence is clearly felt in the values that Angelina often speaks about—family, humanitarian work, and resilience. These qualities weren’t developed in Hollywood. They were born in homes like Lois’s, where love was a daily practice.
Battling Illness with Strength
Life took a heartbreaking turn when Lois was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. During a time when cancer treatment options were limited and conversations around the disease were often private, Lois faced her diagnosis with grace and determination. Her final months were spent surrounded by family, her courage becoming a source of strength for everyone around her.
Lois passed away on November 11, 1973. It was a loss that rippled through the family, felt most deeply by her husband and children. She died young, but her legacy didn’t end. Instead, it was carried forward—first by her children, and then by her grandchildren, who would grow up hearing stories of a woman who loved without conditions and stood firm through life’s many challenges.
A Lasting Family Legacy
Today, Lois June Gouwens’s legacy is reflected not only in her famous granddaughter but in all the lives she shaped through kindness and consistency. Her descendants include figures who are celebrated globally, yet the roots of their strength were planted by a woman who never sought fame.
In every story told at family gatherings, in the values passed from one generation to the next, Lois’s presence is still felt. She may not be widely known to the public, but in her family, she’s remembered as the foundation. Her life is proof that true legacy isn’t found in wealth or status—it’s found in love that outlives us.
