Malisse (Lee) Mahlum passed out of this life on Oct. 6, 2018. Lee was born on July 2, 1923, in Rapid City, SD, the oldest daughter of Algernon and Violet Taylor. She moved with her family to Vermont when she was 16. She finished high school in Vermont and went to nursing school in New Hampshire. Upon graduating, she joined the Army Nurse Corps as a 2nd lieutenant and spent 2 years in England and Germany. She returned in 1947 and attended University of Michigan, graduating as a nurse anesthetist. She took a position in Billings Deaconess for 2 years, during which she met Willard Mahlum while on a road trip with some of her nurse friends. They were married in Brattleboro, VT in 1951. Son Gary was born in 1953 and Loran followed in 1955. Lee stayed at home with her sons until 1958, when she went to work with Dr. Mark Listerud as a freelance nurse anesthetist. She continued in that position until retiring in 1994.
Lee was always taking a challenge and usually coming out successful. She became an excellent cook, much to the relief and delight of her family. She took up sewing and knitting as a hobby and made many articles of clothing for herself and others. She took her boys fishing in Wolf and Tule Creeks when the trout fishing was still good there, something that is gone forever now. She was an avid bridge player, and she and Willard didn’t let a week go by in the fall and winter when there wasn’t a dinner party with bridge after. Lee’s gardens resulted in great pies and pickles. Her chokecherry jelly was unmatched and quickly disappeared. She didn’t believe in a moment’s idleness.
Lee’s love of reading led her to the local library in the basement of the courthouse. Her desire to improve the facility in Wolf Point culminated in her chairing the library board to get our present library built and catalogued. She later was a founder of the “Friends of the Library” organization here.
Lee loved children, and one of her greatest joys was when she could spend time with those of her own family and her friends and neighbors. She always had cookies available whenever they came to visit. She was very proud of her grandsons, Norven Mahlum and Gavin Lewis. She was thrilled when Gavin and Donna Headdress provided her with a great-grandson, Kade.
Lee put her nursing knowledge and instincts into caring for Willard for a long time before his death in 2001. Nothing prepared her for the loss of her son Loran 5 years later but her family got behind her and helped her, and she got back into life with her usual determination. Her sister-in-law, Doris Larson was her constant companion until her death in 2012. She kept her social network as best she could, but eventually, she was the only one left, as her memory and health began to fail. She became a resident of Faith Lutheran Home in March of 2016.
Malisse was preceded in death by her parents, sister Donna Jones, brother Jack Taylor, husband Willard, and son Loran. She is survived by son Gary, brother David Taylor, grandson Norven Mahlum, grandson Gavin Lewis, and great-grandson Kade Lewis.
Malisse’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Faith Lutheran Home for their excellent care and understanding. Mom had a wonderful friend at Faith Home, Shirley Moran, who shared her table and understood her like no one else. Also, thanks to Dr. Mark Zilkoski for years of care and friendship, and Joann Hibl for her steady guidance.
Lee became a member of the 1st Lutheran Church in the first part of this century. She very much enjoyed her relationship with the congregation and the pastor, Greg Holler-Dinsmore and his wife, Christine.
A memorial service for Lee will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, October 19, 2018, at First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point.
In lieu of flowers, Lee’s family would encourage a donation to First Lutheran Church or the Wolf Point 100 Club.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences can be left for the family by using the form below.
Christine Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest Sympathy Gary on the death of Lee. I loved visiting with her. She had a wonderful twinkle in her eyes and she was adventurous in her attitude about life. She was willing to try new things such as yoga. She was always welcoming hostess. We have lost a lovely lady. She is with all her good friends, Doris, Lillian, Bertha. I will miss her lovely smile. We remember you in prayer and may you find healing in family and friends and your faith.
Prs. Chris and Greg
Dale S says
Prayers, Gary. Peace to you.
Scott Taylor says
Gary.. Gail and I extend our condolences to you in the loss of your Mother…..I always enjoyed coming over to her house to open her drains….Mom and her are having a cup of Joe about now I bet!…What a sweet lady!..God Bless
Scott and Gail
Scott Taylor says
Gary…Gail and I want to extend our condolences in the loss of your Mother….I always enjoyed coming over to her house to open her drains….Mom and her are probably having a hot cup of Joe about now….What a sweet lady!…God Bless…Scott and Gail
R.J. Doornek says
Gary,
I am sorry for the grief you must be experiencing over the loss of your beloved, Mother. Lee was a caring individual full of humor and joy. She was the quintessential Anesthetist at Trinity Hospital for so many years and Dr. Listerud and the entire community were blessed to have the benefit of her skills. Hopefully, you can take comfort in knowing that she is finally enjoying her eternal reward with her beloved, Willard. May your many fond memories of Lee be a consolation to you during this time of sorrow.
Fran Riddle says
Aunt Lee was a treasure! I know she is up there visiting, getting caught up on all the news with all who went before her! I Miss her. Hugs to you Gary! You were awesome.
Scott Taylor says
Gary,.. Gail and I extend our condolences in the loss of your Mother….I always enjoyed going over to her house to open her drains and visit her awhile……I’ll just bet she and Mom are enjoying a cup of hot Joe about now…..She was a dear, sweet lady….for sure…..God Bless…..Scott and Gail.
Joann Heser says
Gary, so sorry about your mother. I didn’t know Lee well, but know that she was a gracious lady of many talents. She couldn’t have asked for a better son! You were always there for her, helping her and visiting whenever you could. I know it is hard, but she is in a wonderful place now with all her friends and family. God bless you. Love, Rick and Joann
Ruth Squires-Hood says
So very sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. Heaven has welcomed home a new angel. Lee was a very wonderful lady and blessed us with her 2 sons. God bless.
Jacqueline Taylor Backs says
Such a lovely obituary for Aunt Malisse, Gary. I miss her and loved her very much. I have a stack of her cards and notes from many years and treasure them even more dearly now. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jacke & Steve
Rose Neumiller Green says
Gary, she loved you so much and appreciated all that you did for her. I really enjoyed her stories about you. It was such a privilege to visit with her, especially about Dr. Listerud and all of the good old days. She was such a steadfast contributor to the medical care in Northeastern Montana.
It such a pleasure to see her , she would get this great big smile, call me Rosie, and ask me how my ‘baby’ was doing. My prayers for you and the family. You were such a good son.
Charmian and Jim McLellan says
Dear Gary and all of Malisse’s family…..I loved Malisse and Will. She was such an amazing, accomplished lady and a true role model. Hers was a life well-lived and it couldn’t have been easy at times. She was so supportive during my mother’s (Florence Hansen’s) surgeries and her fight with cancer. She called and wrote frequently. My mom adored her. I guess I don’t know what else to say. Malisse will be sorely missed. We are so very sorry.
Love from your cousin,
Charmian McLellan and husband Jim
Mary Hogg says
Gary, I will always cherish our stay in Wolf Point and the time we spent with Aunt Lee. She was such a joy to be with and I am so grateful we were able to spend time with her in her home. Every time I see Betty White I will always think of your mom. Such a wonderful sense of humor. God bless you and may she rest in peace enjoying all her old friends and relatives. Love you Gary!
Taylor W. Hansen says
Tana and Norven,
When my mom was dying, Malisse wrote a letter saying, “”I really hate to let Bunch go, but I guess I have to.”” A lot of people felt the same about Malisse. She demonstrated what life is all about. What a lady! I did not have the opportunity to visit with her very often, but it was certainly a pleasure when it happened. My sympathies.
By the way Norven, Friday the 13th is on Saturday this month.
Taylor Hansen
Kate and Doug Trost says
Gary and family,
It was such a pleasure to be neighbors to the Mahlums! Willard was always doing something for a giggle and Lee was always there being the special person that she was! I was so impressed with her energy, enthusiasm, and honest opinions! We hadn’t been neighbors very long when she convinced me to join the Friends of the Library. What an adventure! It was so much fun sharing those experiences with her. Lee was so easy to talk to and I will always remember our special chats. Our sincere condolenses Gary. We feel very blessed that she was a part of our lives.
love you-Kate and Doug