University News
Winona Malpass Obituary
November 9, 2011
* Submitted by the Malpass Family
Let us celebrate the life of Winona Helen Cassin Malpass, who spent her life in the service of her family, church and community.
Winona was born a twin with Virginia Cassin (Smith) in Chicago's Lutheran Deaconess Hospital to Starona Hilis Brown and Thomas Milo Cassin. She was the heavier by over a pound and half, something which she never let her sister forget. After going to Grover Cleveland Elementary School until the 8th grade the twins went on to Lucy Flower Technical High School for girls. As there were two girls and not enough money to send both to college, they both took jobs to attend Maryville College. The sisters were drawn to nursing and eventually both became nurses. Winona joined the Army where she met her husband, Leslie , whom she liked to kid, that she was his superior officer.
They were married on May 17th 1945. After both left the service they moved to Syracuse, NY where they had 3 children. Winona finished her Master's degree at USI and finished all but her dissertation for a PhD after moving to Carbondale (IL), where the last child came along. The family moved to Blacksburg, VA where she worked at Radford college as a psychology instructor and student counselor.
In Macomb, Ill., Winona was the founder of the regional hospital's (McDonough District Hospital) hospice program and served as a counselor at regional colleges. Her husband, Leslie F. Malpass, WIU president, used to say that the town would miss her more than him when they retired to Durham NC.
Winona is survived by her children: Susan Heather Malpass Poulton, Peter Gordon Malpass and wife Dee Stewart, Jennifer Joy Malpass, Michael Malpass and wife Susanne Kessemeier. Her grandchildren are, Winona Malpass Bucher, Sarah Jane Poulton, and Soren Malpass.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Malpass. The world is a poorer place for her absence.
A memorial service will be held at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Durham, NC at 3 p.m. Friday, November 11.
In lieu of flowers, gifts to either the McDonough District Hospital Hospice Program, Macomb, IL or to the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Durham, NC are welcomed.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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