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The Descendant's Corner wishes to pay tribute and homage to the INSPIRATION imparted by Mrs. Dorothy Donnelley Moller during her life on this earth! On more than one occasion a vibrant handwritten message was sent to Ohio ... thanking the Descendants' Corner for "bringing tears to my eyes." What a grand lady! An inspiration to us all... and I pray that others will attempt to follow in her stead. She was the embodiment of the American Spirit and will never be forgotten!
INSPIRATION IS A FRAGILE THING .... Just a breeze, touching the
green foliage in a village park, INSPIRATION - who can say where it is born, and why it leaves us? Who can tell the reasons for its being or not being? Only this - I think inspiration comes from the Heart of Heaven to give the lift of wings, and the breath of divine music to those of us who are earthbound."
In Memoriam It's June 12, 2007, and I have just learned of the passing of Dorothy Moller. I'm standing in the middle of the museum contemplating the circumstances that first brought me into contact with her. It was 1999, and I had just discovered that my older brother was a pilot with the 568th Bomb Squadron of the 390th Bomb Group. He was shot down and killed in October 1944. My love affair with the museum began at that point and I promptly began my career as a volunteer. Word on the floor was that one should never cross Dorothy Moller as she was a tough task master and ruled the museum Board of Directors with an iron hand. About a year later the Board asked me to assume responsibility as Executive Director. I agreed with some trepidation. It took all of one minute to discover the word was completely wrong. Those who knew Dorothy know she was outgoing, friendly and personable. She was a major player in the founding of our museum. She loved and respected the veterans of the 390th Bomb Group and happily carried on her relationship with the Veterans Association after Colonel Joe's death. These, after all, were "Joe's Boys" and she would never abandon them. She was, however, intensely protective of her personal life and few people were able to get really close to her. Those of us who knew her well saw an even more amazing person. She was fiercely patriotic, generous to a fault with close friends, a major contributor of her time and resources to educational organizations, and an unwavering supporter of animal care programs. She never had fewer than two dogs which she referred to as "her kids" and who lived a most comfortable life. She was always eager to share whatever she had, and woe to the person who tried to pick up a dinner or lunch ticket when she was present. Dorothy was consistently soft-hearted, generous and passionately loyal to friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor and often got caught up in uncontrollable waves of laughter. Dorothy Moller touched hundreds of lives, always with grace and empathy. She was a lady in the classic sense. Anyone who knew her will never forget her. Dorothy was a dear friend and valued colleague. I am deeply saddened by her loss. She will be missed. Dorothy attended every Veterans Association reunion and following Col. Joe's passing in 1993, always financed the annual hangar party. Some years ago she became disenchanted with commercial airlines so she chartered a small jet to go everywhere, including the annual reunions. She did not like to travel alone in a ten passenger plane so she often invited close friends to fly with her. I can not forget the occasion about five years ago when we were flying with her to a reunion. She always used the last seat on the starboard side of the plane. I looked back at her and caught her eye. She gave me a grin as big as Grand Canyon, and said "Isn't this fun?" Yes, Dorothy, it was fun indeed. A fitting epitaph for a remarkable life.
Please Visit the
East Valley Tribune Guestbook to read all the Memories of Dorothy
posted there. Here are just a few of the entries from that website. I was Mrs. Moller's
personal assistant for 8 1/2 years. She truly was a dear soul and was
such a pillar of strength. Her generosity and kindness to so many
organizations will always be a shining example of her strong character.
I will miss her smiling face and hugs so dearly! My heart & prayers to
out to all those many people who love her so dearly.
We have lost a dear friend and treasured
colleague.
Mrs. Moller was a lovely
person to know; very gracious and friendly. We will miss her.
I knew Dorothy Moller through
the 390th Memorial Museum Foundation for almost 20 years. I loved her
and thought her a great lady.
Dorothy was a very special "Angel" to our 390th
Memorial Museum and our veterans. She always had a kind word and smile
with a way of making all of us significant and important. We are deeply
saddened by her passing.
On behalf of the Balmut
family and the Descendant's Corner - Square J Bulletin - please accept
our deepest sympathy in the passing of your Mother. She was always quick
to write plaudits to 390th descendants who chose to share reflections.
Her thoughtfulness was most appreciated. She truly understood that
sharing is one of life's greatest pleasures. We remember her with
gratitude for the many lives she touched. |
