Longtime Acorn religion columnist is hospitalized

Claire Vereczky Malis The Acorn Newspapers staff learned recently that a beloved colleague, Claire Vereczky Malis, 83, had suffered a burst blood vessel in her brain.

She underwent emergency surgery on Sun., Aug. 6 at Pomona Valley Hospital, near her home at Emerson Village in Pomona, and was scheduled to have an additional procedure on Mon., Aug. 14 to insert a feeding tube in her stomach.

Malis' association with the Acorn Newspapers spans decades. Although she "officially" retired a few years ago, she has continued to be a part of the Acorn Newspapers family, contributing articles in the Faith section, topics close to her heart, for she has a powerful belief in the goodness and healing spirit and wisdom of the Christian faith.

This year she became involved with the newest Acorn, the Camarillo Acorn, and was thrilled when editor Daniel Wolowicz assigned her numerous stories. They had never met in person, but communicated through e-mail and via telephone.

It was Wolowicz who first alerted the Acorn Newspapers staff that something might be amiss with Malis, for she had missed a deadline to submit a story-an occurrence that was so unlike a veteran like Malis.

In addition to her typesetting position, Malis was the original Datebook editor, collating calendar listings with great dedication and enthusiasm.

At the hospital Malis' friends gathered and described her as having a wonderful, generous spirit; as an inspiration to know; and as a thoughtful friend with a bright quick wit.

The hospital staff attending her are committed to her treatment and have expressed guarded optimism for her prognosis.

Due to heavy sedation, pain medication and an oxygen mask, Malis remains largely inarticulate,

although there is no evidence of paralysis. She has recognized and responded feebly to the voices of old friends who have visited.

Malis remains hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit at Pomona Valley Hospital.

Before moving to Pomona, Malis was a Thousand Oaks resident, where she and her late husband, Sandor, operated an auto body shop.

Readers who knew Malis or enjoyed reading Datebook and her "Clergy Profile" and other articles during her many years with the Acorn Newspapers are encouraged to keep Malis in their thoughts and prayers as she faces a tough road to recovery.