LAVERNE PEARL "GREENWALD" MALCOLM

1939 - 2009

LaVerne Pearl (Greenwald) Malcolm, 69, entered into rest at her home in Mount Vernon late Monday, March 30, 2009. Her unexpected death leaves behind many devastated family and friends.

LaVerne was born on April 29, 1939 in Juneau, Alaska to the late Albert and Pearl (Dick) Greenwald. She graduated from La Conner High School in the late 1950's. She graduated from Washington State University in the early 1960's with a degree in elementary education. She was a proud Cougar and indoctrinated her grandchildren in the WSU way from a young age. She spent most of her life living in Washington state. LaVerne taught at La Conner Elementary School for a number of years until she decided to stay home with her young children. LaVerne worked for a number of years at Mira Vista Care Center in Mount Vernon until she decided to stay home and help care for her young grandchildren.

LaVerne was united in marriage to James M. Malcolm, Sr. in Mount Vernon. Shortly after they married they moved to Pacific Grove, California. After spending a few wonderful years in California they moved back to Mount Vernon to be near family. LaVerne and Jim enjoyed their life together until his passing on April 27, 2007.

LaVerne was known for her caring and pleasant demeanor. She had an incredible passion for life and living each day to its fullest. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She loved spending time with her kids and grandkids, especially in Birch Bay. LaVerne happily spent each and every day with one or more of her grandchildren. LaVerne was the best mother and grandmother anyone could wish for; she will be deeply missed by all of her family and friends.

LaVerne was a T'akhdeintaan yádi, her father coming from the Snail House in Hoonah, and she was Dakhl'aweidí from the Killer Whale House in Angoon (also called Killer Whale Chasing Seal House from the image that was once painted on its house-front). Her Tlingit name was Khaaleiyík.

Her paternal grandparents were Robert and Elsie Greenwald. Her maternal grandfather was Peter Dick (Kaatéenaa) of the Deisheetaan Basket Bay Arch House in Angoon whose own father was a Wooshkeetaan man named Daawdunaak. Her maternal grandmother Hanna Daniels (Khaax'asa.oo) was the daughter of a Norwegian merchant named Fred Daniels and a woman known as Mary Kaanoohaa.

LaVerne is survived by her son, Ron of Bellingham; her son, Jimmy (Stacy) of Mount Vernon; seven grandchildren, Kayla, James, Hunter, Charlotte, Jack and Annabelle of Mount Vernon; Jacob Ochampaugh of Centralia; her sister Bertha Franulovich of Seattle; her brother-in-law, Jack (Vinnie) Malcolm of Mount Vernon; and her niece Tina (Steve) Martin of La Conner.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband, James M. Malcolm, Sr.; her parents, Albert and Pearl (Dick) Greenwald; her brothers, August (Gus) Greenwald, Ron Greenwald, and Albert Greenwald.

At LaVerne's request, there will be no memorial service.
Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, 1825 E College Way, Mount Vernon.