Mary Malsam

Mary Malsam, 90, Sterling, passed away peacefully May 24, 2012, at her home with her family by her side. Services will be held at 1:30 pm Wednesday, May 30, at McCabe United Methodist Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Ray Baker officiating and Rev. Lisa Ahlness delivering the eulogy. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm Tuesday, May 29, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a prayer service will be held at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Mary was born October 24, 1921, to Nels and Louise Dronen. She grew up north of Driscoll on the farm homesteaded by her father. After graduation from Driscoll High School, Mary attended Capital Commercial College and finished at Bismarck Junior College. She then found employment working with the legislative research committee at the State Capitol. Mary married John Malsam on April 26, 1947, and lived in Bismarck until 1949 when they moved to Sterling. In 1963, Mary returned to the State Capitol this time working as a legal secretary in the state tax department. She always would say how much she enjoyed her work in the tax department and after 33 years of faithful service she retired. Mary was an active member of the Sterling community volunteering in many ways. In addition, she served as the Sterling School Board clerk and retired from that position after 30 years of service. Up until her current illness, Mary was a member of the Sterling Homemaker's Club, corresponding secretary of the Driscoll Alumni, and editor of the Driscoll Alumni Newsletter, Sons of Norway, and the monthly Bonco group. In her retirement years, Mary enjoyed her flower gardening and being a wonderful hostess to whoever stopped by. Mary was well-known for her delicious brownies. Mary will be deeply missed by her husband of 65 years, John Malsam; two sons, Brant and Nancy Heaton Malsam, Bismarck, and Byron and Jill Johnson Malsam, Bismarck; one daughter, Bonita Malsam and Jack Hathaway, Leominster, MA; six grandchildren will greatly miss her, Ryan Malsam, Kacey Malsam, Amy Malsam, Christopher Malsam, Kent Hathaway, and Sara Hathaway Doraski; eight great-grandchildren, Kithe, Strausser and Garver Malsam, Donald and Evan Doraski, Conner Geiger, Finnley Malsam-Benham, and Olivia Bitz. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Verna Dronen and Katherine Rundquist and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Andrew, Albert and George; and her sisters, Hannah Kluksdahl and Margaret Botnen.

Mary Malsam

October 24, 1921 - May 24, 2012