Maija Ziemelis

Maija Ziemelis of Three Rivers, MI, Age 82, passed away on December 13, 2017, with family by her side. She was born in Sigulda, Latvia on May 20, 1935, the daughter of the late Valters and Elza Grinbergs. Her family spent time in a displaced persons camp during WWII. In 1949 they were sponsored to come to America. By way of New York they settled in South Carolina and eventually moved to Michigan. Maija was passionate about her family, her friends and her Latvian heritage. She was compassionate and giving. She enjoyed cooking for others and served as the head cook at the Latvian Center Garezars for several summers. She was a long time member of the Latvian Church. She spent 20 years as a sorority house mother at Michigan State University Delta Gamma. When not serving others she enjoyed being in nature, feeding birds and gardening. She also held a real estate license for many years. Above all Maija loved her family and leaves them with many wonderful memories to cherish. She was formerly married to Alvis Ziemelis who preceded her in death. Maija is survived by two children, Inta (Eric) Jensen and Arthur (Julie) Ziemelis; grandchildren, Alex and Ben Jensen, Mikus, Ellija, and Rudis Ziemelis; siblings, Atis Grinbergs, Juta Savage and Ugis Grinbergs; many nieces, nephews and friends. In accordance with her wishes cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held on Friday, December 29, 2017, beginning at 11:00 AM, at the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran United Church, 122 Cherry Hill Rd. Kalamazoo, MI 49007, with Rev. Aija Graham officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 AM, one hour prior to the service. Interment in Riverside Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Latvian Church or the Latvian Center Garezers, c/o the funeral home. Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home