June Lorraine Berglund

June Lorraine (nee Palmer) Berglund returned to her Heavenly Father on December 19, 2023, at age 96. She was the fourth child and youngest girl born to Thomas and Elizabeth Palmer on June 30, 1927, in Burlington NJ. June grew up surrounded by a large loving Italian family that formed the foundation for the values and views she carried with her throughout her long and eventful life.

In May 1937, just before her 10th birthday, her father took her and her 4 siblings to watch the annual arrival of the German zeppelin Hindenburg at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station. There she witnessed the spectacular explosion ("Oh, the humanity…!") that resulted in the loss of 35 lives. Her Sunday School teacher, who had volunteered to help secure the mooring lines, was one of the fatalities.

Her parents were first generation Americans, born of Italian immigrants, who instilled the love of country and patriotism in their children. Her brothers served in the U.S Navy and Marine Corps, and her sisters all married sailors. June was no exception. In October 1947, she married the love of her life, Warren Terry Berglund, and began the life of a Marine Wife. Their first child, Terry Dale, was born in 1949 in Philadelphia, but Warren's 18-month deployment to Korea delayed the arrival of their second son, Warren David, until 1954 in Fort Sill Oklahoma. Annual relocations and interim deployments were a common occurrence, but June and Warren worked together like a well-oiled machine to minimize disruptions and facilitate the transitions. Their last move brought them to Va Beach in October 1967, following Warren's return from Viet Nam. With their USMC traveling days behind them, June and Warren bought a comfortable home on a corner lot in Thalia. It would be the first and only house they ever owned.

June and Warren loved Va Beach and became involved in numerous social and community groups and activities. June was a social butterfly who surrounded herself with friends and family. She never met a stranger. During the 1970's they were active in the Riptides Square Dance Club, and established the annual Azalea Festival Square Dance event, which brought hundreds of square dance enthusiasts from across the country, filling the Scope arena with the colorful sights and sounds of happy people dancing to lively country music. For her efforts and contributions on behalf of the Riptides Square Dance Club, June was awarded life-time honorary Presidency of the Club.

June was not only an accomplished dancer, but also an extraordinary hostess. She orchestrated numerous events of her own but was always among the first to volunteer to help others. She was the first to arrive and the last to leave, talking to everyone (working the crowd) and making sure they had visited the refreshment table. Her signature Lemon Squares were legendary at the Thalia Civic League meetings and her White Wine cake was a highly coveted raffle and door prize. She epitomized the concept of a true Marine wife and patriot. She loved her family, friends, country, and her God. She was a faithful member of the Kempsville Presbyterian Church.

June's exuberant love of life attracted countless friends and admirers. Among her longest and dearest friends were Iris (and Tom) Metcalf. June only had sons, but she always referred to Iris as her "adopted daughter." A very special heartfelt thanks from the family goes out to our "sister" Iris for the love and devotion she shared with June to the very end.

June had a very special relationship with her only grandson, David Aaron Berglund. David was incredibly close to his grandmother, and she adored him. When he wasn't in school or hanging out with his buddies or delivering the Virginian Pilot and Ledger Star, he would ride his bike from Pocahontas Village to his grandmother's house in Thalia. His grandfather died in 1991 and David stepped up to help his grandmother in a myriad of ways. His love, devotion and service to his grandmother extended to the very end. He was with her day and night in the hospital ICU, and with her at home during her short time in hospice. Even with his grandmother in a near comatose state, David could make her smile and squeeze his hand acknowledging his presence. June peacefully slipped from her Earthly bonds and returned to her heavenly Father on December 19, 2023, at age 96.

A viewing will be held at the Hollomon Brown Lynnhaven Chapel on Va Beach Blvd at 1200 pm, Thursday 18 January, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm.