Dorothea A Eagleson

Dover, New Hampshire: Dorothea A. Eagleson, 105 years, previously of Natick, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in February, 2026, at Watson Assisted Living facility. She was born in 1921 in Medford, Massachusetts; the daughter of the late Otto Rufus Karnheim and late Muriel Fratus Karnheim Ulrich. Dorothea was the wife of the late William A. Eagleson, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage.

Dorothea, fondly known as Dottie and Auntie Dot, packed a whole lot of adventure into her 105 years. From the very beginning, she felt loved and adored, often sharing the story told to her by her parents that "She was such a beautiful baby that they brought her all around the hospital to show her off." She grew up with her sister Marjorie and brother Jack, first in Medford, MA and later in Melrose, MA spending early summers at Jeffrey's Neck in Ipswich and teenage summers at Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. She graduated from Melrose High School and Lasell Junior College in Newton, MA class of 1940. Never one to pass on social invitations, she reminisced about boyfriends, dances, college parties, even Winter Carnival at Dartmouth. She met her husband, Bill, when travelling to North Conway, NH on the ski train. Bill was an Air Force veteran of World War II, having flown 32 missions, including D-Day.

Early in their marriage, Dottie joined Bill when he was stationed in London. They often recounted attending the practice coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953. The couple subsequently returned to the US, settling in Natick, MA where they purchased their first home. Dottie lived in that house for 65 years.

Although they did not have children of their own, the couple involved many young people in their life. They volunteered with the Boy Scouts in Natick, MA and Dottie assisted with administrative duties. As a Brockton High School teacher, Bill enlisted Dottie to join him in organizing and chaperoning student ski trips to Europe over several years. Later, Dottie and Bill enjoyed boating, as active members of the Watertown (MA) and Point Independence (Onset, MA) Yacht Clubs. Dottie loved taking her nieces and nephews on adventures, be it the ski trips or summers on their boat. She relished sharing many stories of her family and her travels. In later years, they spent their winters in Sunrise, FL.

Dottie and Bill also spent many years following and volunteering with the Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom Tour which restored and displayed World War II aircraft. With fellow WWII veterans and their spouses, Dottie and Bill travelled with the airshows promoting the historical preservation of the aircraft and sharing many stories.

Dottie remained independent and active with her neighbors in Natick into her 90's, even driving until her mid 90's. She moved to Watson Fields Assisted Living, Dover, NH, when she was 98. She was actively engaged in the community, enjoying interacting with her fellow residents and the kind staff. She particularly enjoyed BINGO and musical entertainment, leading the sing-a-longs and dancing, even from her wheelchair!

Blessed to maintain her mental capacity through her 105th birthday celebration, Dottie lived a full life, surprising everyone with her longevity. She will be missed by many.

Dottie is survived by her nephew Jeff Mclaughlin and his wife, Martha of Topsfield, MA, her nephew Donald Ulrich and his wife, Marletta of Castle Rock, CO and her nephew Roger Ulrich and his wife, Imogen of Anzio, Italy. In addition, she is survived by several great nephews and nieces, their spouses and several great-great nephews and nieces.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was pre-deceased by her stepfather, Harold Ulrich, her sister, Marjorie Ulrich Mclaughlin and her husband Judge, and her brother John A. Ulrich and his wife, Beth, as well as her nieces, Pamela A. Cowe, Terry A. Rogers, Nancy A. Michener, and Elizabeth Ulrich.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Dottie's name to the charity of your choice. And please enjoy a peppermint patty or an ice cream as a fond toast to her!

A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date, with a spring burial at Wyoming Cemetery, in Melrose, MA.