Dr. Shirley S. Malcolm - October 24, 1927 - July 14, 2018
On July 14, 2018, Dr. Shirley S. Malcolm passed away with close friends in attendance at her home in Helvetia, Oregon, after a long illness.
Born on October 24, 1927 in Winona, Minnesota, Shirley was the eldest child of Maria Brenner Worner and Peter Worner, proud naturalized Americans who emigrated from Germany in the 1920's. Shirley is predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. David R. Malcolm, her parents and younger siblings, Bettylou M. Worner Baylon and Ted Worner, a nephew, William Worner and a grand-nephew, Michael Alan Norgren. She is survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Mary Lou Baylon, of Winona, Minnesota, seven nieces and nephews and numerous grand-nieces and nephews.
Shirley and David were married in Winona, Minnesota, on June 18, 1949. Shortly after their marriage, they enrolled at Washington State College (now Washington State University) in Pullman, WA, to pursue advanced degrees. Shirley graduated with a Master's degree in English in 1954 and later earned a Doctorate of Arts in 1970 at the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR, while teaching full-time.
After leaving Pullman, Dr. Malcolm taught English and Humanities at the high school and university level for more than 35 years. Thousands of students at Beaverton High School, Sunset High School, Cleveland High School, Lincoln High School, Lewis and Clark College and Pacific University benefited from Dr. Malcolm's inspirational, motivating and challenging teaching style. Up to the time of her death, former students from around the world continued to communicate and engage with her.
Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Malcolm was a founding faculty member of Sunset High School, establishing the English Department and coaching extracurricular activities. At Lincoln High School, Dr. Malcolm was recognized as not only an English scholar but a visionary as well. She team-taught Lincoln's first college-level Humanities program and pioneered the International Studies Center (ISC). During the five years that Dr. Malcolm served as ISC Coordinator, ISC's membership grew to over 550 young people from all over Portland. Always an innovator, Dr. Malcolm established Lincoln's first computer lab writing center and mentored dozens of teachers in the use of what was then new technology.
Both ardent conservationists, Dr. Malcolm and her husband built their dream home on 38 acres of forestland in the Helvetia area after decades of planning and saving. After her husband's death, Dr. Malcolm converted most of her property to a conservation easement, ensuring that the old-growth forest would be protected in perpetuity. An empathetic listener and compassionate counselor, Dr. Malcolm offered friends in need a place to stay and heal. Many neighbors regarded her as a very special "Grandma".
A private memorial service has been held for Dr. Malcolm. Remembrances are greatly appreciated. To provide scholarships to students, you can contribute to: Dr. Malcolm Scholarship Fund, Lincoln High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 23756, Portland, OR 97281 or to share Dr. Malcolm's desire to conserve Oregon's beautiful land you can contribute to: Save Helvetia, 13260 NW Bishop Road, Hillsboro, OR 97124.