Marcheline's Sister Battling Breast Cancer

Marcheline's Sister Battling Breast Cancer 

Perhaps one of the unsung heroes in Angelina's decision to have a double masectomy is her Aunt Debbie. Debbie is Angelina's Mom's sister. When Angelina's mother Marcheline (then already suffering from cancer), discovered she had a defective gene that is linked to both breast and ovarian cancer, she urged Debbie to take the test that would determine if Debbie had the defective gene as well. Debbie's test showed she did have the defective gene, so she elected to have her ovaries removed in hopes of side-stepping the same cancer that Marcheline had. No doubt this act of courage helped Angelina with her decision to have a double masectomy.

Debbie did manage to dodge ovarian cancer but unfortunately was not as lucky with breast cancer. She is now stage 4.  The good news is that Debbie has a fighting chance if we can find her the very best medical care. And you may find this hard to believe hard to believe, but it isn't that easy for her. Like many people, she has been turned away from numerous life saving programs and clinical trials. My hope is raising awareness to her situation will open some doors for her. If you are anyone you know can provide any suggestions, We are all ears!!!

Remembering Marcheline on Janurary 27, 2012. Photo from a 1978 trip to Las Vegas with Bill Day. 

MARCHElINE MEMORIAL 2011

On the 4th anniversary of her death January 27, 2011, Marcheline Bertrand's life is celebrated with this series of photos, many of which have never been seen before. May she rest in peace as the star she really is. She is missed by many people.
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FROM MARCHELINE'S SISTER DEBBIE
Of all the deaths I've gone through within my Family I thought I would be better at embracing loss. Not being with my Sister 4 years now, and my Brother nearly 2 years, life doesn't become easier. It never will. My heart hurts and I just have to learn to slowly walk with my wounds, step by step, with a hole in my heart, yet carrying cherished memories which keep me whole and holds me up day by day.
I thank God for my Grandchildren as I now see the souls of my Family through their smiles, hugs, and loving eyes. I see you Marche! I see you Raleigh!
I love you so dearly. Forever and ever, your Sis, Deb xoxoxoxo

January 27, 2010 is the third Anniversary of Marcheline's passing. To commemorate this day, we are celebrating our memories of her with this short video.

A SISTER MISSED - Debbie Martin

To my precious sister and mentor. We shared our first bed together and we shared our first haircut at five (thanks to your gum in that bed!) You are my secret admirer, my Flash Gordon and my comforter through all our family losses since 10 years old and on, and on. We shared double dates and deep secrets. We shared our pregnancy's together and our children loving each other. You saved my life in 2004. We even shared becoming Grandmere's together in 2006. My memories of us will help mend my bleeding heart. I will feel your wings on my shoulders as you whisper to me, "It's so beautiful Here! One day our eyes will meet again and we will embrace, my little sister."

Even death won't get in the way of the love I hold so deeply in my heart for My Sister.

Debbie Martin - Escondido, California

A Brother's Wish -Raliegh Bertrand

My prayers are with my sister. I hope God makes her an
angel so she can look over us all. It hurts so very
much and I can't make the pain go away.

Raleigh Bertrand - Southern California

A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS - Jade Dixon

I met Marcheline in my acting class. She was the star on stage. Everyone was magnetized by her beauty and strength. We became instant friends. At lunch one day she told me about her mother’s death, how her marriage was falling apart, and about a baby that she had miscarried. A few short weeks later I was involved in a car accident. My car was hit by a drunk driver. My face was slammed thru the wind shield. Marcheline gave me a place to live while going thru reconstructive surgery. Her children came to call me ‘Aunt Jade” When her marriage was over I helped her find an attorney for the divorce. We double dated and shared all the secrets best friends share. She took me to the playboy mansion and introduced me to Hef, Which changed my life! We went on auditions together and dreamed of being stars. When I gave birth it was Marcheline on the phone giving me instructions on how to breast feed. She was kind enough to be Godmother to both of my children. Her children are the lasting legacy to a warm loving caring generous woman. She was a tower of strength in the quietest way. I know Heaven exists because I know one day I will walk with my best friend again. This planet is a better place because of Marcheline .. She is the brightest star in the heavens. I will always be grateful for this time on earth to have known her and look forward to seeing her beautiful face again in heaven.
Jade Clark-Dixon

Gathering To Remember Marcheline

Saturday September 1, 2007 - Roxbury Memorial Park in Beverly Hills, California. Family and friends gather to pay tribute to Marcheline. In attendance were sister Debbie Martin with husband Ron and son Corey. Also paying their respects were brother Rolland Bertrand with son Francis, Jon Voight, John Trudell, Lauren Taines, Belinia Beatty, Jade Dixon with daughter Barbie, Cis Rundele, and Bill Day.


Jon Voight arrived with a rose bush at a spot not far from where Marcheline lived for many years. The group planted the rose bush, then held hands in a circle and spoke about Marcheline for close to 1 hour. Marcheline's sister Debbie also presented a beautiful homemade quilt that was embroidered with family photos. Marcheline passed away nearly eight months prior to this gathering, but the sense of loss and sorrow was still felt strongly by her loving family and friends.

We Will Miss You - Norma Poucher

My cousin Marcheline was born in a small town in
Illinois where most of our immediate families lived.
When the move to California separated us bodily we
still kept in touch by mail with letters of love and
sharing of our daily lives.

She lived a tragic and yet joyous life. Her mother
passed away at the tender age of 45 and she lost her
father at the age of 62. God blessed her with a
daughter and son whom she cherished more than life
itself. Her most important role was being a loving
mother to both of them.

She lived long enough to see her grandchildren. They
and we who knew and loved her now have a special Angel
to watch over and guide us.

We will always miss and love you.

Your cousin,
Norma Parent Poucher
Ocala, Florida

NEW PICTURE OF MARCHELINE FOUND

I recently came across this photo of my mom, Eleanor Kaptur, who was Marchelines cousin, and Godmother. If you like to add it to the website, great.

Karen Kaptur Jasnoch

MARCHELINE'S VIDEO

This is a video made for Marcheline around 1980. It was edited from a film called Borderline by filmmaker Ramon Mendendez. The tape was used to show Marcheline's talents to agents and producers.

I Remember Marcia -Patti Miles

I remember Marcia (as we knew her) when she was in 8th grade at St. Mary's School in Riverdale and I was in 5th grade at the same school. Marcia was a cheerleader for St. Marys and us younger girls idolized her. She was so beautiful but didn't let her beauty get in the way of her loving personality. Marcia was dating my older brother, Wayne, when my Mom gave birth to my sister, Marie. Marcia and Wayne became Marie's Godparents and for years stayed in touch with the family even after she no longer dated Wayne. I remember the trip our family took to California to spend with the Bertrand family at their new home in Beverly Hills after they left the Chicago area. The whole family was a joy to be with and I'm sorry for all the sadness Marcia had to endure. I'm glad to know that Debbie and Raleigh are still around. I've thought about them and wondered...my heart goes out to the family. God takes the good people first.....Marcia Bertrand is at the top of that list...with love,

Patti Miles Smith, Jacksonville, Florida

Unforgettable! - Gina Hall

Marcha, I grieve for you. I love you. You were a giving, loving, and a compassionate woman and I was so blessed to have had you in my life. You helped my mother find hope and peace when she was dying and for that I will be forever grateful. You made me feel so loved when I should have felt empty and alone. You, Debbie and your families gave my siblings and me reassurance that we still had a family no matter how broken we felt inside. Thank you. I will treasure those memories forever. When my grandparents passed, we found numerous letters from you (they saved everything). Marcheline you wrote, "Weep, but briefly, for your loved ones as they enter into the Kingdom of God for they shall possess a joy and peace that is unattainable on God's earthy realm. Rather, rejoice in their everlasting and total happiness for their eyes have seen God". May Angie and Jamie find comfort in this prayer. My love and prayers go out to all the lives that you have touched. Give my mother and grandparents a kiss for me. You will be in my heart always.

Gina Hall ~ Hickory Hills, IL

A God Daughter - Marie Miles

Photo: Marcheline with God Daughter Maria Miles


HEAVENLY GOD MOTHER

LAST NIGHT I SAT ON MY FRONT STEP IN THE COLD WINTER'S EVE.

I LOOKED OUT OVER THE LAKE - A QUIET NIGHT

EVERYTHING STILL EXCEPT MY BREATH FLOATING IN THE AIR

IN MY SOLITUDE I SAID TO HER

MARCHELINE, I ALWAYS THOUGHT WE WOULD MEET AGAIN

JUST THEN IT BEGAN TO LIGHTLY SNOW

I REALIZED SHE WAS WITH ME - ALL AROUND ME

THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD I SEE IS PART OF HER

AND IT'S NOT THAT I WILL NEVER SEE HER AGAIN

FOR I SHALL SEE HER WHEN I TOO AM DONE WITH THIS LIFE

MARIE MILES
MARCHELINE'S GOD DAUGHTER

MY Sympathies -David Jasnoch

After my beloved grandmother died three years ago I had answered the phone late one evening; it was my cousin Marcheline offering her condolences and words of comfort. She told me how she felt when her Grandmother passed. Before passing the phone to my mom she told me how much my grandmother had always meant to her, and that she would always be with me in my heart. She seemed to always have the right words to say. I extend my sympathy to Marchelines children James and Angelina and grandchildren, Maddox, Zahara, and Shiloh,her brother Raleigh, and his son Francis, her sister and my beautiful cousin Debbie who also brought our family comfort after grandma's passing along with her husband, Ron and children Chris (Lisa), Cory, Angela, and beautiful new grand-daughter Ava. May God Bless your families.

Your Cousin,
David M. Jasnoch (Kaptur)

Back Home - Alison Edington

I am very saddened by the loss of Marcia. My heart goes out to everyone whose life she touched. I will always remember her warmth and generosity to my mother and grandparents (especially while my mother was so ill), and her unconditional love for everyone she came in contact with. My childhood memories of Woodside Ranch and the family gatherings at my grandparent’s house will always be cherished.

Alison Edington, Glendale Heights , IL

Our Hearts - Karen Jasnoch

Marcheline your letters and thoughtfulness over the years meant a lot to us. Thank you for always thinking of our Mother, and your God Mother, Eleanor Kaptur. You touched the hearts of many, and are now safely home in the presence of God, and your mom and dad.

Karen Kaptur Jasnoch ~ Palos Park, Illinois

A Cousin -Marian Ziegler

I am Marian Kaptur Ziegler, cousin of Marcia. My Mother, Eleanor Kaptur was Marcia's Godmother, she loved Marcia and her family very much. When Marcia visited our family many years ago, she whispered something in my Mom's ear which caused her to become teary eyed. After Marcia left, we asked her what she whispered and my Mom said that Marcia was pregnant. She was pregnant with Jamie.

One of my Mom's most cherished photos was her and Marcia when she was about 18 during our visit to Marcia's family in California. I now have that photo and it brings back fond memories.

Marcia brought much joy and happiness to my Mom, especially in my Mom's later years. I am sure that Marcia is among the angels in heaven waiting to be joined with the rest of her earthly family.

Love and prayers to Marcia's family and to all that love her.

Marian Kaptur Ziegler
Portage Michigan, Formerly of Riverdale, Illinois

A beacon of Light - JC

We have never met but I have been sending you prayers everyday, to you and your family since 2005 when I first noticed your daughter's humanitarian work. I was wondering what had brought her up to be so aware of the plights and sufferings of the voiceless. After I read her book I seemed to get more understanding - it was her mother. Life passes but Love endures.

Shalom to all!

JC (Floriane-Marie)
London, England

She Was The Wine! - Bill Day

Marcheline was a benevolent force in many lives, including my own. To see her end up such a tragic figure is unaccetable. For some of us, the long winter freeze is over and the big thaw has begun. Let us all take this opportunity to know the best course forward is to avoid the path of unforgiveness lest we tempt the same fate.

I held my own memorial down by the ocean. I blew a kiss out to sea and said, "Ciao, Bella." On my way home, a smile suddenly came to my face. She was the wine!

Bill Day - Los Angeles