Sally is survived by her daughter Lauren, of Elmwood, her son Scott (Janice), of Elmwood, her grandson Dane (Kendall) and great granddaughter Karsyn, of Mapleton. She is further survived by her brother James (Janice) George of Mapleton, her sister Mary Ellen John, of Columbia, Missouri, and her brother, Paul (Sherry) George of Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Tom, and her parents.
Sally graduated Elmwood High School and attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, where she studied accounting and met Thomas (Tom) Malmberg. They married in 1958 in Hanna City. Sally and Tom made their home in western Peoria County for the next 62 years and both worked for Caterpillar Tractor Co.
Sally worked at Caterpillar for more than 50 years, beginning as secretary in 1958. During her career, she was administrative assistant to several Executive Vice Presidents, Presidents, and ultimately Chairmen of Caterpillar. She served Donald Fites in his tenure as CEO and considered Caterpillar her work “family”. She was Caterpillar’s biggest champion and a devoted employee.
Sally was a talented and creative seamstress; she also loved knitting and embroidery. She made dozens of special gifts for family and friends and made many of her own clothes. Sally also loved animals, particularly horses, and participated in the family’s horse and cattle operations. She was a supportive “horse show mom” for her daughter and a constant (and vocal) presence at her son’s and grandson’s ball games. She was a devoted caretaker to her mother and grandmother in their declining years.
Sally was known for her strength, loyalty, commitment, and dedication. She held herself and others to a high standard, but was unconditional in her love, support, and encouragement for those in her life. She was fiercely protective of her family, yet her house was always open to friends and extended family. Several of her children’s friends considered her their “second mom”. She had a soft heart and took care of everyone in her orbit. She was also tremendous fun. Sally was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her steady strength, unconditional love, and uplifting encouragement will be sorely missed. She was the best mom ever.
Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held later honoring Sally and Tom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association – https://hoidsa.org/. To leave online condolences, please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.
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