[nfbmi-talk] An NFBM Pioneer Passes the Torch

[Terry Eagle]

Dorothy Ann (Eagle) Scott Dorothy Ann (Eagle) Scott Lansing Dorothy, age 93,
went home to be with her Lord God on June 10, 2013. Dorothy Ann Willett was
born December 9, 1919 in Ancon, Panama Canal Zone to Jennie Julia (Jarvis)
Willett and Henry Emerson Willett Sr. who was a locomotive Engineer during
the construction of the canal. Dorothy graduated in 1938 from the Michigan
School for the Blind in Lansing, spending holidays and summer vacations with
her parents in her hometown of Flint. Following graduation Dorothy operated
her own Blind Made Home Products business in Flint. In 1939 Dorothy became
America's first blind female licensed amateur ham radio operator, W8UDA.
Known as Unpredictable Dorothy Ann, Dorothy used Morse code, and assisted in
transmitting messages throughout WWII. She enjoyed her ham radio hobby for
many years. In 1941 Dorothy was a founding member of the National Federation
of the Blind of Michigan, holding office and remaining active in NFB for
over 50 years. Dorothy's loving husband, Paul Deindorfer, died tragically
eighteen months after their marriage. In the early 1950's Dorothy married
Donald Eagle. Dorothy worked full-time as homemaker and loving mother of
their five children for over 25 years. Dorothy was active in her five
children's school activities, and was President of the Parent Teacher
Association (PTA) in Pontiac, Michigan. Dorothy moved from Pontiac to
Lansing in 1983 to be closer to her grown children and grandchildren. In
1996 Dorothy married Lawrence Scott. A life-long active member of the Roman
Catholic faith and church, Dorothy's week was highlighted by attending
Sunday Mass. Dorothy was a regular lector at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing,
reading and spreading the Word of God by reading Braille. Dorothy also
looked forward to and enjoyed attending the annual spiritual retreat for
sight impaired persons, held each spring at St. Francis Retreat Center in
DeWitt. In 2000, Dorothy became an Associate of the Sisters of the Order of
the Servants of the Lamb of God. Dorothy was fond of cats and dogs, leaving
behind her beloved cat Cassandra, a gift from a local priest, following the
death of her cat Missy. She also supported the Leader Dogs for the Blind
which had provided guide dogs Jeanie and Prince to her in her early years.
Dorothy is survived by her husband Lawrence Scott; Children, Robin Eagle,
Terry Eagle, and Cheri Eagle of Lansing, Michael Eagle of Mulliken, Dee Ann
(Matthew) Kimball of Centennial, CO; and nephew Dale (Betty) Willett many
beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dorothy was preceded in death
by her parents; husband, Paul Deindorfer and Donald Eagle; Sibling, Henry
(Margaret) Willett Jr.; daughter-in-law Cynthia Ashmore Eagle. A funeral
Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday June 15, 2013, St. Mary Cathedral, 219
Seymore St., Lansing. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery,
2520 W. Willow St., Lansing. Viewings will be held at Tiffany Funeral Home,
3232 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, Wednesday June 12, 6-8p.m; Thursday June 13,
2-4p.m. and 6-8p.m. Donations may be made in memory of Dorothy to the Mother
Teresa Hospice House of Lansing; the St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt, MI;
the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan; the Capital Area Humane
Society; or Leader Dog of Michigan, Rochester, MI.. Published in Lansing
State Journal on June 12, 2013.