Joanne Helen Berglund

November 4, 1937, Portland, Oregon ~

March 15, 2011, Gresham, Oregon

Joanne Helen Miller was born on November 4, 1937 in Portland, Oregon to parents Hugh H. and Helen W. (Maki) Miller.

As a young person, Joanne made countless visits to her grandparents’ property in Bear Creek, Oregon. She loved play, catch crawdads, and explore the wilds of Bear Creek and Astoria. It was then her love for the outdoors and ocean began. She attended Peninsular Grade School, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1955. She attended P.S.U. for a year and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Business from O.S.U.

Joanne worked as a bookkeeper and administrative assistant for Freightliner for many years, and served as secretary to the vice president.

In 1990, while attending a Reunion for Roosevelt High School Class of 1955, Joanne met Frank Berglund, a High School acquaintance. It was a magical. They danced, reminisced, and enjoyed each other’s company. They felt like kids again. Joanne and Frank exchanged wedding vows in Portland (St. Johns) in 1991. They spent 19 wonderful years together. Joanne had no children of her own, so Frank told her, “well, then you can have mine”.

Joanne will be remembered as someone who never left the house without looking her best. Her hair, make-up, and clothing were always meticulously arranged. She made her own clothes and was an accomplished seamstress. She will also be remembered for her good and warm nature, and characterized as someone who made friends easily.

Joanne loved to visit the Oregon Coast with Frank. They golfed, watched old movies, and enjoyed going to theatrical productions. Frank and Joanne would enjoy nights out at the Black Cat Café in Sellwood, OR where they would dance and watch her Brother John’s band perform. Her favorite restaurant was the Toll Gate in Sandy, OR.

Joanne is predeceased by her parents Hugh and Helen Miller. Survivors include her loving husband Frank; brother, John Miller; aunt, Ann Hyman; granddaughters, Erin and Tera Tyrrell; a grandson, Troy Tyrrell, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Forrest Tyrrell, Troy Tyrrell III, and Wyatt Tyrrell; many wonderful cousins; and her three very special cats, Tyler, Teddy, and Susie.

A Celebration of Joanne’s Life will be held in Roosevelt High School Cafeteria , 6941 North Central Street, in Portland, on Sunday, July 17th, 2011 from 1to 5pm. Please RSVP to Skyline Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, (503) 292-6611.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR. (503) 292-6611