Longtime Sandy resident, Joan Berglund received her ultimate healing when God called her home after an almost 12 year battle with cancer on Monday, October 19, 2015.
A Celebration of Joan’s life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Sandy Assembly of God Church.
She was born, Joan Everyl Cassell on February 4, 1942 in Port Townsend, Washington to Everett and Beryl (Wixom) Cassell. Joan’s father was enlisted in the Army during WWII. After Joan’s birth, she and her mother made their home in the Wapato, Washington. In the late 1940’s, Everett was discharged from the Military and they moved to Innis Arden, near Edmonds, Washington.
Joan was raised and received her elementary and high school education with the Shoreline School District. She furthered her education at Seattle Pacific University in conjunction with University of Washington, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She continued her education at the University of San Francisco, receiving a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education. Upon returning to Washington, Joan began her career as nursing instructor at Seattle Pacific University.
In early 1972, Joan met her future husband Ron. They were united in marriage August 8 of that same year in Edmonds, Washington. They made their home in Sandy where Joan pursued her career in the medical field as a Clinical Coordinator and Registered Nurse for several Portland hospitals. In 1974, Ron and Joan began their family and their son Jon was born. Two years later they had a daughter, Jeannette. Besides raising her family, Joan was actively involved with her Church, she taught birthing classes and English as a second language. After her children were raised, Joan returned to nursing education at the college level, followed by Nursing Administrator at Avamere at Sandy until retiring.
Joan had a great love for family, especially her grandchildren. She was a member of Sandy Assembly of God Church. She was the founder of a local support group for International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF). Throughout Joan’s life she was actively involved in her Church as a Woman’s Ministry Leader, Bible Study teacher and young girl’s discipleship program teacher. Joan enjoyed photography, sewing and scrapbooking.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to IWMF 6144 Clark Center Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34238 or IWMF.com or Sandy Assembly of God Missions Department.
Surviving is her husband Ron of 43 years; her son Jon and wife Ruth; his daughter, Jeannette and husband Troy; her brother, Vern Cassell and 8 grandchildren.