Elisabeth Malcolm

Born on June 28, 1933 in Lucerne, Switzerland, Elisabeth’s love for languages began at an early age and inspired her to travel. She left Switzerland at the age of 18 and traveled to Paris, France where she attended La Sorbonne and earned a Diplome in Civilisation et Culture Francaise. She eventually found her way to America and became a stewardess, and later a purser, for Pan American Airlines, first in New York City and then in San Francisco. She flew all over the world, which continued to fuel her passion for travel.

While working for Pan Am in San Francisco, she met and married Richard Malcolm. This marriage eventually brought them to Skaneateles, NY where they raised their five children. Elisabeth then continued her education. In 1971 she received a BA from Syracuse University in French and German Language and Literature, as well as an MA in French Literature in 1973. She also completed all of her required courses for a Ph.D. in Romance Languages.

Elisabeth became a French teacher at Skaneateles Central School in 1978 and continued teaching there until 1987. At that time, she moved with her youngest daughter to Switzerland where she taught ESL, French and German at TASIS in Lugano.

Upon “retirement”, Elisabeth moved back to the United States and lived in Alexandria, VA. Her love for languages and teaching did not subside, so she continued private tutoring as well as teaching ESL at the Sanz School in Falls Church, VA. Elisabeth left an indelible mark on her students, many of whom came to visit her or invited her to visit them over the years.

Elisabeth is survived by her 5 children: Renee Weir, Elisabeth Squire, Richard Malcolm (Becky), Stephanie O’Donnell (Tom), and Kristina Griffith (Charles); 11 grandchildren: Malcolm Squire, Sarah Barlow (Mac), Kevin Weir, Charlie Weir (Becca), Ian Weir, Morel Malcolm (Jack), Finan Malcolm, Brahm Malcolm, Baryl Malcolm, Matthew O’Donnell, and Fraser Griffith; and 3 great-grandchildren: Graham and Virginia Barlow and Vincent Hurtado. She is also survived by 3 siblings: Anita Portmann, Marlis Elmiger, and Franz Emiger (Helen). She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Malcolm, her parents Franz and Louisa Elmiger-Egli, and her sister Edith Neidhart.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Elisabeth’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, donorservices.alz.org.