Daila Berzins

Daila Berzins, passed away on Sunday, May 23, 2021 in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born March 3, 1931 in Saldus, Latvia a daughter of Karlis and Karoline (Lignavs) Pukite.

On April 13, 1952 Daila married Helmuts Berzins who preceded her in death in April 19, 1996. She was also preceded in death by her parents, four siblings and son-in-law, Andris Zarins. Daila is survived by her children, Peteris (Karen) Berzins, and Zigrida Zarins; grandchildren, Emilia (Scott) Underwood, Jakob (Clare Banonis) Berzins, Karlis (Jen) Zarins, Markus (Katti) Zarins, and Diana Zarins-Ansel (Ben Ansel); great-grandchildren, Noelle, Alexander, Kathryn, Liam, Connor, and Greta; and many nieces and nephews in USA and Latvia.

Daila grew up on a farm in Latvia and attended boarding school from September to May when she was school aged. She witnessed the occupation of Latvia by the Soviets, the German occupation, but fled to Germany with her Parents and eldest sister (Alma) before the Soviet reoccupation to avoid deportation to Siberia. They lived in several Displaced Person Camps in Germany and after the war ended were able to emigrate to Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Daila graduated from Kalamazoo Central and worked at WL Molding for many years before she retired. Daila was a member of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church of Kalamazoo. True to her roots as a farm girl, she loved gardening and loved feeding her wild outdoor birds and even adopted an injured wild sparrow once. It was not uncommon to see a Parakeet or the wild sparrow flying around inside her house and Daila would smilingly acknowledge that Helmuts never would have allowed that. She was an excellent cook and people often joked that she could make anything taste good.

Private family graveside services will be held May 28, 2021 in Riverside Cemetery officiated by Reverend Aija Graham. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church of Kalamazoo. Services entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. To view Daila's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com