Mildred Naoma Malsam

Midge was more than a devoted mother—she was the matriarch of our family, the heart and foundation of multiple generations. A true matriarch is not just the eldest woman in a family, but a source of strength, wisdom, and unwavering love—a guiding force who shapes those around her with kindness and resilience. That was Midge. She led by example, offering support and encouragement, always putting others before herself, and ensuring that her family remained close-knit and strong.

Born on September 2, 1932, in Pony, Montana, Midge grew up during the Great Depression in a house with dirt floors, a childhood that instilled in her a deep appreciation for hard work and a lifelong commitment to helping others. She never forgot what it was like to go without, and because of that, she spent her life making sure others never had to.

After graduating from Glasgow High School in 1950, she pursued her passion for nursing, earning her degree from the Columbus School of Nursing in Great Falls, Montana. She went on to work in both hospital and clinic settings before marrying Francis “Frank” Malsam on May 1, 1954. Together, they built a life grounded in hard work and generosity, raising their family in Havre, Great Falls, and Whitefish, Montana, before settling in Spokane Valley in 1973.

Midge was a caregiver not only by profession but by nature. As a school nurse for 23 years in the Central Valley School District, she wasn’t just there for scraped knees and fevers—she was there for children who needed her in ways far beyond medical care. Quietly and without seeking recognition, she would purchase clothing and shoes with her own money for students who had none. She understood hardship, and she believed no child should have to struggle alone.

She earned a Bachelor’s in Nursing and a Master’s in Counseling from Whitworth University, balancing her education with raising a family. Her leadership led her to become Director of School Nurses for CVSD, and in 1997, she was named Washington State School Nurse of the Year. Even after retirement, she continued to serve, volunteering in schools and advising other districts on their nursing programs.

But Midge was more than her work—she was a woman of passion and adventure. She and Frank traveled the world together, and after his passing in 2002, she continued to explore with friends. She found joy in her garden, where she grew roses as vibrant and full of life as she was.

Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She poured her heart into raising her children and took immense pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always there to lend a hand—whether it was a soft touch on a shoulder in times of sorrow, a firm but loving grip to guide you in the right direction, or the quiet strength of hands that had worked tirelessly to build a beautiful life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Malsam; her parents, Frank and Grace Foster; and her brothers, Thomas and Dell Foster. She is survived by her five children: Michael (Christi), Vicki Arnold (Frank), Kathleen Cleveland (Bill Spinnell), Terry (Elizabeth), and Steven (Marsha); as well as 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who will carry her love and legacy forward.

The family extends a special thanks to Colonial Court Assisted Living and Memory Care for the years of kindness and support, and to Horizon Hospice for their compassionate care in her final weeks.

A Memorial Service celebrating Midge will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S Pines Rd, Spokane Valley. A reception will follow.

Midge’s hands may have tended to patients and plants, but above all, they lifted others up. She lived a life of quiet generosity, unwavering strength, and deep love. We will miss her fiercely but find comfort in knowing she is now at peace—likely still keeping things in order in Heaven, just as she did here.