Shirley Anne (Goedert) Malsom died at her home in Oak Harbor on Oct. 18, 2010, at the age of 84. She was born April 29, 1926, in Seattle to Albert and Anna (McNulty) Heimgartner. She was raised in Seattle and graduated from West Seattle High School. In 1941, while still in high school, she met Edward W. Goedert. They were married in Seattle on Dec. 13, 1943. Ed was employed at Sand Point Naval Base in Seattle.

In 1954, Ed and Shirley moved to Oak Harbor, when Ed began work for the Navy Exchange as a jeweler and watch maker. In the early 1960s Ed and Shirley opened Island Jewelry on Pioneer Way, where Shirley worked alongside Ed.

In 1969, Shirley began work with the Oak Harbor School District, first as a secretary, and then as a Title I Reading Specialist, retiring in 1982.

Following retirement, Shirley became active at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, serving as a teacher in the CCD program for over 12 years, and was also a long-time member of the Ladies Society. She was a member of the hospital guild, an advisor for the Camp Fire Girls and a volunteer receptionist at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters, the Oak Harbor Emblem Club 450 and a lifetime member of “the Yo-Yo’s.”

Shirley and Ed had a wonderful relationship throughout their marriage. Following Ed’s death in 1991, Shirley continued her volunteer work at church, especially coordinating receptions following funeral Masses. In 2002, she was selected as volunteer of the month at church.

Shirley began dating a longtime friend and neighbor, and in 1995 she married Joe Malsom, the new love of her life.

Shirley’s hobbies included golf, playing the piano, RV’ing, dancing and going to parties. She enjoyed her very special friends and neighbors. She was always open and honest, but she loved to laugh and clown around.

Shirley is survived by her husband Joe at the family home and by two daughters: Christine Goedert of Oak Harbor and Stacey Johnson and husband Kirk of Oroville; by two step-sons, Dan Malsom and wife Shannon of Everett and Mark Malsom and wife Deena of Oak Harbor; and by three grandchildren, Angela Tull and Allison Sherwood of Oak Harbor, and Sara Johnson of Oroville; also, one great-granddaughter, Lili Sherwood of Oak Harbor.

A Funeral Mass for Shirley will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, with Rev. Philip Raether as Celebrant. Interment prayers will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Whidbey General Hospital Foundation, directed to the MAC Unit. Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.