Obituary of Elvira Berzins

BERZINS ELVIRA - After a long and well lived life Elvira Berzins, 96, of St. Andrews N.B. passed away at the Passamaquaddy Lodge on May 12, 2018 She entered the world on June 30, 1921 in Riga, Latvia to the delight of her parents Karline (Piebalgs) and Janis Skrastins. The early years in Latvia were filled with laughter, family, friends and wonderful memories. However life changed dramatically in 1940 with the Russian occupation. In 1944 she left Latvia and her parents behind due to the occupation. The next few years were a hardship and spent in Germany, Czechoslovakia & Belgium. In 1950 she sailed from France to Pier 21, Halifax and arrived in what eventually became her second beloved home - St Andrews. It was here that the next stage of her life began. She met her caring husband, Julijs Berzins (a fellow Latvian), by applying for a job as a seamstress in his tailoring business. She ended up marrying her boss. The years went by quickly raising a family, working and participating in much of what her new home had to offer. She loved family visits, travel, bridge, playing the piano, the Spindrifters, her church and baking - especially bacon rolls and sweets. Good times meant a gathering of folks and food. Some of her best moments however were spent with her treasured grandchildren. Her strong presence will be missed by daughter Ingrid (Doug) Wyles of St.Andrews and son Buzz(Cathy) Berzins of St.Phillips, Nfld along with grand children Shelley(Dennis) Eaton, Rob Berzins and Tyler(Paljor Dolma) Wyles and great grand children Cam and Kaylee Eaton. She was predeceased by husband Julijs Berzins (March 1984)and recently her brother Harold (Rita) Skrastins of Toronto. The family will receive friends at the church during a time of visitation on Thursday from 7 - 9 pm only. The funeral service in celebration of her life will be held on Friday, May 18th, 2018 at 2:00 pm at St. Andrews Baptist Church, King Street St.Andrews,NB. A reception will immediately follow. The interment will take place at a later date in St. Andrews Rural Cemetery to be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Julijs. A special thanks to the staff of the Passamaquaddy Lodge for their care and support. We are also extremely grateful for the love and devotion of her long time, extra special friend Deborah Smith. She was mom's angel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Passamaquaddy Lodge or charity of your choice. On line condolences to the family or memorial donations can be made at www.humphreysfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen, NB E3L 2B2 (506 - 466 - 3110)