Debbie Berland, 55, of Valparaiso, formerly of Jackson Twp., passed away April 20, 2009.

Born November 3, 1953 in Tonasket, Wash. the fourth child of six to Loren and Gloria (Gonzales) Allen.

Debbie is survived by husband Larry Berland of Valparaiso; father, Loren Allen of Spokane, Wash.; children; Erica Mahns of Indianapolis, Joshua (Star) Mahns of Marion, Ky., Beth Berland of Valparaiso; brothers and sisters; Donna (Leonard) Selvig of Escondito, Calif., Gerry (Carol) Allen of Westville, Ron (Annette) Allen of Hobart, Lisa Allen of Spokane, Wash.; grandchildren, Trenton Baker and Jacob Mahns and beloved friend Samantha Sons of Portage.

Debbie was a graduate of Hobart High School and from there followed her heart to find her passion and universe in the love and devotion for her husband, Larry Berland and her three children and two grandchildren. Debbie was a Girl Scout troop leader, loved crossword puzzles, music, reading, travel, spending time with her grandchildren, Christmas and giving to others.

She was preceded in death by her mother and brother, Melvin Allen.

A funeral service Pastor Tim McGuire officiating will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 24, at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton. Cremation will be at Heritage Crematory, Portage.

A visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. Thursday April 23, at the funeral home.

Memorials for Debbie may be made to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

Posted 4/22/2009