Pearl Beaver

03/10/1919 – 10/08/2011
Pearl A. Beaver was born in Whatcom County on March 10, 1919, to Charles and Theresa Maslanka. She was the third of their four children. Preceded in death by her husband, Malvin M. Beaver, and by her son, Alan T. Voyce (both served in the U.S. Navy.)
Pearl graduated from Meridian High School and Bellingham Business College. She worked several years as a secretary in Bellingham; moved to Seattle and became an employee of Boeing Airplane Company, Finance Dept., Accounting. Later, after two transfers within the company, she was fortunate to be executive secretary to J.E. Prince, Vice-President, Administration. She because well acquainted with Opal Cullitin, secretary to William A. Allen, President.
In 1957, Pearl moved to Portland, Oregon. Her husband, Malvin M. Beaver was a Certified Dental Technician. He owned and operated a dental laboratory (previously he had a successful dental laboratory in Bellingham). He was a member of the American Legion Musicians’ Post No. 185 (a member of the band). Pearl was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. They participated in many Legion activities. Pearl and her dear friend, Delma Kinkela, served as color bearer. It was especially an honor to participate in the Memorial Day Service at Willamette National Cemetery, Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland. Their home was filled with music – Mal was a talented musician. Musician friends stopped by often and there would be a Jazz Session in their home. They greatly enjoyed visiting the Oregon Coast, and boating on the Columbia River. Pearl and her son enjoyed water skiing.
She began employment in 1967 with the Oregon State System of Higher Education, as administrative assistant to the Director of a Federal Grant: next, Portland State University, Continuing Education Division.
1975 brought a return to Bellingham and she and her sister, Helen McLaughlin, helped take care of their mother, Theresa Maslanka, until she passed away in 1986 at age 95. That same year her brother, Joseph, and sister-in-law, Norma, passed away. It was a very sad year.
Also in 1975 she was employed as secretary, Education Department, Western Washington University. Later she became Administrative Secretary, Office of the Dean, School of Education; 1984 received a promotion to Program Manager. She retired January 31, 1987.
Pearl and her sister, Helen, (both widows) made a life together. Summer: boating on Bellingham Bay with their 18 ft. Arima Sea Chaser boat. Often it was a trip to Eliza Island, crabbing and fishing. Winter: enjoying the warm sunshine in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, California. September (yearly) they attended the Autumn Leaf Festival in Leavenworth. Great fun to dance the Polka, and even do the Chicken Dance! Helen passed away in 1992 – it was another heartache for Pearl; her sister, Hazel Lowery, passed away in 1997.
She has three grandchildren, Jody Brown, Tracey Voyce, Carley Voyce and four great-grandchildren. Fortunately, she has beloved nieces and nephews: Elaine Sofie and husband Dan, Terri Raymond and significant other Roger Merritt, Charles Maylin and wife Marcee, JoAnne Barber and husband Dan, Jeanine Earnhart, Donna Maloney, Judy Berg, Dr. Patrick Henley. Also a beloved daughter-in-law, Darla Voyce.
Pearl enjoyed walking, hiking, cultural events, music, traveling, dancing, and playing the piano and organ. She was a member of Central Lutheran Church, Bellingham Senior Activity Center, WWU Retirement Assn., and Bellingham Elks Lodge.
Memorials may be made to Peace Health St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225. Visitation will be held at Westford Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 12 from 3-5 PM. A Celebration of Pearl’s life will be held at Westford Funeral Home on Thursday, October 13th at 1 PM, followed by a reception across the street at Westford’s Broadway Hall. Committal will follow at Greenacres Cemetery.

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