Eleanor Ann Doersam

We celebrate the life and mourn the loss of our beloved sister, aunt, and great-aunt, Eleanor Ann Doersam, age 92, who passed away August 21, 2022, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her brother, Paul (Mary); nieces and nephews, Rebecca Doersam, Diane (Joseph) Churches, David (Lynda) Doersam, Mark (Kelli) Doersam; step-nieces, Karen (Stephen) Hunt, Vicky (Timothy) Phipps; great-nieces, Lindsay (Matthew) Roberts, Kylie Churches, Jordyn Doersam; and step-great-nieces and nephews, Amanda (Winslow) Chapman, Brittany Goodwin, Stephen, Brandon and Hudson Hunt.

Eleanor Ann Doersam was born October 3, 1929, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Mary Ann (Howard) Doersam and Harry C. Doersam. Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Rev. H. Arthur and John Doersam. Born at the beginning of the Depression, Eleanor always had an intense sense of history, a love of learning and an appreciation for her parents’ sacrifices. She was extremely loyal to her family including her parents, brothers and their wives, her loved nieces and nephews and cousins.

Following her graduation from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, she attended the University of Michigan earning an AB Degree in Education and an MA Degree in Guidance and Counseling. She then began a 41-year career in education, beginning with two years in Cheboygan and ending with a 39-year association with the Lansing Eastern High School family. She received the coveted appointment as principal of Lansing Eastern in 1983, thus becoming the first female in the 122-year history of the Lansing School District to hold such a position.

A lifelong Episcopalian, she was an active participant in all phases of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Saginaw and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lansing. She loved her many friends and colleagues. She enjoyed many leadership roles in the community. Eleanor was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where she sang in the choir, was a lay reader, and was the first woman Senior Warden. She was also a longtime member of the American Red Cross, past president of the U of M Alumni Association, founding member of the M-Club for women at U of M, and a founding member of the Eastern High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 Ottawa St., Lansing.  Her family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, and beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church.  Entombment will take place in Oakwood Memorial Mausoleum in Saginaw on Friday, August 26, 2022.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or to Eastern High School in memory of Eleanor Doersam.  Online condolences may be left for her family at www.EstesLeadley.com.

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87 Messages to “Eleanor Ann Doersam

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Marilyn Maloney
August 22, 2022 at 9:49 am

With deepest sympathy on the loss of a great woman and cherished friend.

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Patricia Jones
August 23, 2022 at 6:22 am

Sending Prayers and My Condolences Out to the Entire Family

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Michele ( McCoy ) Blask
August 23, 2022 at 9:42 am

We had many moments together at Eastern High School when she was Dean of Girls I was sent to her office quite often in 1967 (remembering the day I walked across the stage she put her hands on my shoulders & said she never thought see would see the day I graduated I often would think of that day! She changed a lot of girl’s lives including mine sending prayers to the family! RIP

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Suzanne Marie Moore
August 22, 2022 at 3:56 pm

Truly a great lady. She was the Assistant Principal when I attended Eastern High School. To her family and friends: May your cherished memories of this great woman bring you comfort and may knowing that she is in God’s loving embrace give you peace.

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Rex A Miller
August 22, 2022 at 5:02 pm

As Eastern HS grads (76), we will always have fond memories of Ms. Doersam. She is a kind and wonderful person.
Rex & Clarisa Miller

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Mary Ellen Cook
August 22, 2022 at 6:10 pm

What a loss to the Quaker Nation. Ellie was one of a kind. Our years connected to Eastern High were some of the best in Paul’s career. She was not only his boss and mentor, but a great friend. We loved her dearly. Rest In Peace dear friend. We love you. Mary Ellen Cook

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Tisha Haynes-Ranjel
August 22, 2022 at 6:16 pm

May sincere condolences to the family. Sad to lose such a wonderful woman.
I’d like to say that if it wasn’t for Ms.Doersam, I may not have graduated with my class.
May she Rest In Peace!
Class of 1988

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Dana Christine Barajas
August 22, 2022 at 6:26 pm

She was Eastern High School’s biggest cheerleader and supporter. Luckily I didn’t have many reasons to have been in her office in high school, but in the last 12 years or so she has become a good friend. We worked together with The Eastern Athletic Hall Fame and had many lunches together just catching up. I feel an emptiness today. Even more so than when they closed Eastern’s doors a few years ago. She was Eastern. She is what I remember about being a Quaker. Dana “Chris” Barajas, Class of 1982, secretary of Lansing Eastern Athletics Hall of Fame, & friend of Miss D.

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sheri randall
August 22, 2022 at 7:41 pm

I could never get away with anything at Eastern because she always had my welfare in mind when I needed correction.
I have always been grateful for her and her service to young people!
A wonderful person and my sympathy to all who loved her.
Enjoyed seeing her and Joan Snider at sporting events around town over the years.

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Bedahbin
August 22, 2022 at 8:24 pm

My mom was one of her first students and my youngest brother was one of her last. She was a great educator and guided me through HS and after. My sincere condolences to the family.

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Suellen Weicht
August 22, 2022 at 8:32 pm

She was my phys ed teacher 1957 -1959. Took life saving couse with her also. Great person

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Barbara (Brady) Wicks
August 22, 2022 at 8:53 pm

She made a difference in my life and will be greatly missed. Lansing Eastern Class of 1978.

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Michelle Larkins
August 22, 2022 at 8:59 pm

She was one of my Assistant Principals back when I attended Eastern from 75-78, although, back then, I wasn’t Michelle, But Mis Dorsam always seemed to remain the same, Always had that same smile on her face, unless you crossed her! A lot of things have changed over the years, The Eastern I went to is now part of Sparrow Hospital. My Condolences to the rest of her family. May she be resting in the arms of the angels tonight, and my God grant her wings quickly, for she can seek out her former students.
May her family find some relief in this poem I wrote
I am There
By
Michelle Charlene Larkins

I am there with you in the morning light,
And with you when you got to bed at night.

I am there with every little breeze that blows,
And in every blade of grass that grows.

I am there in every decision that you make,
And, with every breath you take.

I am there when your world is full of strife,
And when you experience the joys of life.

I am there when it is all quiet at home,
Or wherever you go, wherever you roam.

I am there when you go out with your friends,
And I am there when your time comes to an end.

I am there when you crack a bad joke,
Or when you got to have that one last smoke.

I am there when you are coming home from work,
Tired of your boss, who you think is a jerk.

I am there when the wind chills you to the bone,
I am always near; you are never alone.

I am there when you start to cry,
And when you are just sitting and wondering “Why?”

Why did my loved one go away?
Could we have not shared just one more day?

But I had to go and now I am at rest,
But you go live your life so full of zest.

So, remember when life just does not seem fair,
I am all around you, I did not die, because “I am there!”

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Juli (Grace) Smith
August 22, 2022 at 9:10 pm

Ms. Doersam was my principal at Eastern in the late 80s. She was such a wonderful role model and principal. What an impact she’s made on the lives of so many. Prayers and love to her close friends and family.

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Lorenzo Renard Ardister
August 22, 2022 at 9:18 pm

Blessing to the family

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Ron Wilson
August 22, 2022 at 9:19 pm

“Hail to the Victors Valient
Hail to the Conquering Heroes
Hail, Hail to Michigan
The Champions of the West!”

May God bless you Principal Doersam!

Go Blue!

Ron Wilson, former President
UM Club of Greater Lansing

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korissia spohn symonds
August 22, 2022 at 9:36 pm

You were a trailblazer and a incredible woman you were loved by us at Eastern Class of 1984

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Barbara Helmer Summers
August 22, 2022 at 9:41 pm

I truly loved Ms. Doersam. She cared so much for her students and their welfare. She guided me all through high school. She was the best of the best PE teachers. Prayers for comfort and peace for her family and friends. Barbara Helmer Summers, class of 1962

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Sheila (Johnson)Wrather
August 22, 2022 at 9:42 pm

I loved Mrs. Doersam. She was strict but kind and fair. A wonderful role model for her students. My condolences to her family.

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Rachel (Hart) Girot
August 22, 2022 at 9:50 pm

I didn’t have the chance to know our Principal (class of 1990)- I suppose because I stayed out of trouble! But I could never forget her sweet smile! For those who knew her well, my condolences.

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Joy Walton
August 22, 2022 at 9:52 pm

I was a student 62-64. I remember her as a good teacher and counselor. May she Rest In Peace

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Lynn Schultheiss
August 22, 2022 at 9:58 pm

My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of this wonderful Lady. Thankfully I never had to know the hard side in her office and I have fond memories of her. Luckily she was our cheerleader at all our high school functions. Eastern was blessed to have her. I had to move in my Sophomore year and still consider Eastern my home school. If I had stayed I would have been part of Eastern’s Class of 89.
Rest in heaven. You will forever be our treasured Quaker.

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Ann Whitford Poppe
August 22, 2022 at 10:16 pm

I have lots of memories of her. Class of 68. She always looked out for us and if u were a good kid you were not afraid of her office. Much hugs and love to her family. She touched so many with good vibes

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Marilyn (Prince) Kubat
August 22, 2022 at 10:21 pm

Miss Doersam was a favorite teacher of mine.
Was in her gym class and on her volleyball team. I live in Alaska and was back in the spring to see my family in Michigan. I had talked to my family about seeing her. Now I wish I would have. Was in graduation class of 65. My sincere thoughts go out to the family. She was a very special lady!

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LaSandra Jones (Brown)
August 22, 2022 at 10:42 pm

Ms. Doersam was the real deal, and did not play. I will be forever grateful to have gone to school during the times when teachers cared about students outcome in life, and would speak truth where it was needed. My condolences to the family, and may God give you peace and love during this time. Eastern High School class of 1973!

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James Wilson
August 22, 2022 at 10:49 pm

Mrs. Doersam was such a nice principal; she always had such a great and welcoming smile. I remember her fondly as I’m sure many other alumni from Eastern High School do. RIP Ms. Doersam. Your memory will live on in all the students that were lucky enough to be mentored by you. Eastern High School Class of 1988

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Yvonne Evanoff-Joseph
August 22, 2022 at 10:52 pm

My deepest sympathies to her family. A great role model, and friend. May her legacy live on with all the lives she touched.

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P.K. Van Voorhees
August 22, 2022 at 11:09 pm

I’m so very sorry to hear of her passing. She was a great friend of my family and especially my Uncle Bob. I always loved talking with her when we were at church. She always had a great interest in whatever we were doing, with a twinkle in her eye and a kindness in her heart. Thank you, Eleanor, on behalf of myself and my family for all of the friendship and the love! It takes a village and you, Eleanor, were very much a part of our village!

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Carrie Brady
August 22, 2022 at 11:48 pm

To the Doersam & Quaker Families, I’m sorry to hear that our matriarch and hero has passed. She meant so much to me as my principal (84-88) and then my friend when I became a teacher at Eastern (95-13). Her presence at many of my performances was always a gift. May flights of angels welcome you, Quaker Momma.

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LeRoy Howell
August 23, 2022 at 12:01 am

The evening skies are now eternally blue and gold as The Lansing Eastern High School Matriarch, and U of M alum, transcends to her next adventure and journey. Her dedication, caring heart, and entire career have touched the lives of so many! Thanks for all your wonderful guidance and so many great years Miss Doersam. May your new blue and gold wings guide you and remind all of us PF the many lessons and blessings you have brought into our lives.
Sending prayers of comfort and peace to her family and her Quaker Family & Friends as well.
LEHS Forever In Our Hearts LEHS

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Rev Dr and Mrs Gordon f Weller
August 23, 2022 at 12:18 am

Ellie was a dear and dedicated friend who was a committed MSU fan, educator, and Episcopalian. We spent many meals at MSU and our home enjoying her whit and conversation. We loved her dearly and she will be sorely missed!

Rev Dr and Mrs Gordon F Weller

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Marco de Vries
August 23, 2022 at 12:21 am

Firm but sympathetic, energetic, dedicated, and motivating principle I will always remember- LEHS Class Of 1989

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Sue (Spector) Keeney
August 23, 2022 at 2:48 am

You were the Dean of Women at Eastern High while I was there. Thank you for your lifetime of service to make us all better women. I’m so glad we got to chat at my classes’ 50th reunion. Class of 1966 will remember you always ! My sincere sympathy to your family and friends.

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Kimberlee Manor
August 23, 2022 at 5:49 am

An irreplaceable legacy of LEHS, a true believer that everyone was capable of greatness, she will be missed by all who knew her. May her life everlasting be the reward for the impact she made on us all. Rest In Peace, Miss Ellie. You will not be forgotten. LEHS ‘78

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Mary DiFiore Pulford
August 23, 2022 at 6:28 am

To Ellie’s Family,

On behalf of Eastern’s Class of 1959,
our sincere condolences in this time of sorrow.

Mary DiFiore Pulford
EHS ’59

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Linda Reniger Brown
August 23, 2022 at 7:07 am

Miss Doersam was my Physical Education teacher for three years starting in the fall of 1963. She was the main reason I became a PE teacher myself and also a coach at St. Johns high school (1970-1997). She also was very instrumental in helping me nominate my dad (Bud Reniger, class of 1941 into the Lansing Eastern Hall of Fame for golf. She will always hold a special place in my heart. I always enjoyed our conversations. She loved and cherished her family and she loved Eastern.

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Bob duBois
August 23, 2022 at 8:34 am

Ms Doersam was a class act and one of a kind. She was the Dean of Girls then Asst Principal when I was at Eastern. I’d run into her after I graduated and she remembered me and was always interested in my life. I’m sure she was in all her students. May his trailblazer advocate for students and kind person Rest Easy. She earned it!

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Barbara Landells-Kuerbitz
August 23, 2022 at 10:39 am

We will all miss our sweet, wonderful Ellie. She was a wonderful counselor, mentor, friend no matter what position she was in at EHS. She was an icon to thousands of us in and from Lansing. May God give her the rest she needs but I’m sure she is organizing something up there. Barb Landells-Kuerbitz, Class of ’59

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Barbara Landells Kuerbitz
August 23, 2022 at 11:00 am

My deepest condolences to Ellie’s family. We will all miss Ellie. She was truly a friend, mentor and counselor when I was in high school. She now needs to rest but I’m sure that she is up there organizing something. May God Bless you Ellie and Thank you for all you have given all of us.
Barb Landells-Kuerbitz, Class of 59′

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Carlos Roman Jr.
August 23, 2022 at 11:04 am

May You Rest In Peace Ms. Eleanor Ann Doersam.
My Deepest Condolence & Prayers For The Family! God Bless!! Lansing Eastern Grad C/o Of 89! #Quaker!!!!

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Dianna Topper
August 23, 2022 at 11:40 am

Ellie was a legend, an eternally gracious woman, and I was fortunate to have had the chance to know her. Much like Eastern High School itself, she was a queen in the district. Rest well, Ellie.

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Eliza Houston
August 23, 2022 at 3:43 pm

I’m truly sorry for your lost. I was working at the facility where she was living at. I Approached her and she remembered me, class of (84) Eastern High School. Not remembering my name but she remembered my face. I’m so thankful I had the chance to chop it up with her in her last days. Ride high Ms. Doersam your surly going to be missed.

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Sheila McCulloch (Gilson, class of 89)
August 23, 2022 at 4:33 pm

I was one of the student “office assistants” that entered attendance records. I got to see the many hats Ms. Doersam wore as principal of Eastern High. No matter her approach you knew it was out of true concern and care. I made a mistake in high school and I think I was more embarrassed in front of her than my own parents. Yes, she demanded that respect and I willingly gave it. The heavens above have gain a beautiful spirit and she is now wearing wings of glory!

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Wanda Bancroft Class of 81
August 23, 2022 at 5:12 pm

I had the honor and privilege to work for her my senior year. One super interesting hour out of my day. She was a wonderful role model, for what female leadership could be. RIP Ms. Doersam you touched many lives. Condolences to her family.

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Saundra Boles
August 23, 2022 at 5:58 pm

My heartfelt condolences to the Doersam Family. I just want you all to know that Ms. Eleanor Doersam, was my Girl. She was hard but fair and just wanted the best for all of her kids at LE. She will be truly missed.
Rest on Soldier….Rest

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Gloria Sutton
August 23, 2022 at 7:53 pm

My thoughts and prayers goes out to the family. Ellie was such a dear and special lady and loved by all who knew her. I enjoyed working with her at St Pauls where we went to church for several years, Ellie will be missed by all.
My heart goes out to all.
God Bless

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Linda (Brady) Beachnau
August 23, 2022 at 8:33 pm

She had an incredible knack for making every student feel special, and for knowing the names of so many of us. She was a wonderful mentor, and a great administrator. She embodied the true Quaker spirit. When I think of my years at Eastern, she’s one of the people I remember best for her wisdom, smile, and warmth.

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Barbara Heany
August 23, 2022 at 8:33 pm

RIP Dear Ellie. You inspired me with your strength, integrity and resilience. You went from being my High School Counsellor (Class of ‘73) to my dear, cherished friend. Peace and grace to the family and loved ones of this remarkable lady.

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Jerome Fine
August 23, 2022 at 9:01 pm

We stayed in touch over the years. She was a remarkable woman and a good friend. I had not talked to her in a few years. She had a life well lived. May her memory be for a blessing.

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Wanda Kalka Saxson
August 23, 2022 at 9:43 pm

I was a 1968 graduate of Eastern and worked closely with Ms. Doersam when working in the main office on co-op. She was a very strong woman and so fair listening to all sides in a conflict. Two of my daughters also attended Eastern while Ms. Doersam was in office.

Deepest sympathies to the family.

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Jennifer fraker jerome
August 23, 2022 at 10:36 pm

Sorry for your loss. Mrs.. Doersam was hard , but she really did care about her students. She was always out and about, seeing what was going on in her school. RIP

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Bersheril Bailey
August 23, 2022 at 11:24 pm

I had the privilege of teaching at Eastern when Ms. Doersam was assistant principal and principal of Eastern High School. She encouraged and inspired me to take on leadership roles in the Lansing School District. May she Rest In Peace.

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Dolores (Lulu) Velasquez
August 23, 2022 at 11:43 pm

Miss Doersam was a wonderful lady. She was an assistant when I was there from 76 to 78. She was lucky enough to have every one of us Velasquez kids for 58 to 84. She was my oldest sister‘s gym teacher and she still remembered her years later. She was a special friend to the family I will always be a part of all of our lives. May you rest in peace.

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Sherry Wells (74)
August 23, 2022 at 11:59 pm

As a former student, (class of 74) I had the opportunity to see a great lady be a role model to many young girls. I then had the opportunity to return as a coach in 1980 and coach for over 10 years. She was a pioneer for many young women and was a die hard supporter of all Eastern students. A great woman. Will be greatly missed. RIP Miss Doersam.

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Mickey Hale
August 24, 2022 at 9:13 am

Eleanor was the assistant principal when I attended Eastern HS from from 1965-68! She was so loving and caring and was proactive in sporting events! Praying for each of your family!

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Denise Cook
August 24, 2022 at 11:49 am

I had the pleasure of doing Eleanor’s hair at Independence Village, she was an amazing woman, I cherished all of her stories she told me every week, she truly was an inspiration to me, she never had a bad word to say about anybody. I will truly miss her calling me her sunshine, she was my angel. I will miss you my friend. Denise Cook.

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Tracy (Salazar) Solis
August 24, 2022 at 1:28 pm

My deepest condolences to the entire family. She was a wonderful principle. “Class of 88”

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Sally (Kershner) Heinritz-Garrett
August 24, 2022 at 1:47 pm

Ms. Ellie I was a graduate of 1962. Ellie was my gym teacher and volleyball coach. We played our hearts for her. Later in my life, my husband Ron had terminal cancer and he was in Sparrow Hospital. Ellie came up often, really to see Marie Terranova and Marie’s mom who was also terminal. She always stopped to say hello to Ron and myself. She even came to the funeral home when he passed. She was a wonderful friend and I’ll never forget her.

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Theresa Milne
August 24, 2022 at 2:53 pm

Ellie, my principal, my teacher, my mentor, my friend. She was always interested in what I had going on and in my children’s lives. She touched so many lives and we’re all the better for her time with us.

Godspeed Ms. Doersam!

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Michelle Churches
August 24, 2022 at 4:10 pm

Aunt Elle:

You will be missed.

Ed and Michelle Churches

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Jan Wilkinson Rudolf
August 24, 2022 at 5:31 pm

1963 Eastern graduate. She commanded so much respect; I remember her very positive cadence walking the halls and teaching PE. Sorry for her passing. She left many positive marks in students, including me. A great memory of a great teacher and role model.

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Mary Barnhart Foess class of 1963
August 24, 2022 at 6:52 pm

My sincere condolences and prayers for the family. She was dean of girls When I went to Eastern. She was very stern but very fair and she was always willing to listen and if you needed it she would give you advice.

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Susan Hekhuis
August 24, 2022 at 7:09 pm

I’m so sorry to hear this and my sincere condolences to the family. My Dad worked closely with Ellie on the Eastern Alumni Foundation and they had a shared love for the school. He thought the world of her and she of him. She was a remarkable woman.

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Terri O’Toole
August 24, 2022 at 9:02 pm

She is remarkable in her leadership and contribution to her community. I admire her achievements and as a close friend to her niece Rebecca, I can see how her family benefited greatly from her presence and guidance. Wishing her family all the best.

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Dianne (Moore Cook) Williams
August 24, 2022 at 9:28 pm

Thank you, Ellie, for being a shining star in my life and always encouraging each of us —as students and as educators — to excel. So many of us are better people because you touched our lives.

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Lisa Madden
August 25, 2022 at 2:36 am

Ms Doersam is the reason I graduated when I had a conflict with a teacher she took my side. I as a teenager thought she was mean, as an adult, parent, and grandparent, I realize it was not mean it was just true compassion for all students regardless of our athletic ability or scholastic achievement. May God bless her family, friends, and former students. She led a full life and touched many, and was my assistant principal and before that she was my mother’s gym teacher. I still remember how my teacher ran to her saying how I was skipping and left class and to suspend me, she calmly said no, she is with me, she will be with me until her father arrives to take her to doctor. He said so, you aren’t going to punish her? She said no, she was in the right you may go back to your class. I truly felt like she had my back

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Patt O’Berry
August 25, 2022 at 8:02 am

Ms. Doersam was Assistant Principal when I was a student @ Eastern High School (class of 68). She was always in the hallways with a smile & a greeting as we passed from class to class. Later, she stayed in touch with many of us – always a friend!

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Linda Kay Schaible
August 25, 2022 at 8:24 am

One of a kind lady. How she fought to save our dear ole Eastern. How she was one of us. How she prized our volleyball photos and had the photos for many years on her principal office walls. How she made each and every student and faculty feel special. She was one of a kind friend and teacher. I know I will see her again in heaven as one of those special angels. Linda, class of ’64.

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Joan (Brooks) Look
August 25, 2022 at 9:27 am

I have very fond memories of Ms. Doersam. She was my volleyball coach from 1961 thru 1963. We never lost a game! She would come in early in the morning so we could practice before class and then we would practice again after school. Later in life when I would need references for job applications, I would call on her. She never turned me down. I will always be grateful for her dedication, leadership and kindness. RIP Ms. Doersam.

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Edward P. Magee
August 25, 2022 at 10:09 am

You were great friend to my mother Ruby Anne Allen Magee when she was alive. She believed in you and fought for you to be appointed principal at Eastern. Prayers to all your family

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Leslie Moua
August 25, 2022 at 10:16 am

I’m going to miss you Principal. Taking care of you was challenging some days because you were a firecracker but you always let me get what we needed to get done for the day completed. I enjoyed our talks and hearing about your passions in life. I’m gonna miss hearing you complain about me taking you on adventures and hearing how I was your favorite caregiver. I know you’re not in pain anymore. Rest well Principal.

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Pat (Schulert) Maldonado
August 25, 2022 at 12:01 pm

Rest well thy good and faithful servant. I will always remember your “Good Morning, Quakers” to start each day in our classrooms. We were all part of your Quaker family. You did many things to promote the family atmosphere at Eastern for us as faculty, for the staff and for the students. Thank you for being a great example of an involved leader. You were admired and respected and loved by your Eastern family. May God be with your earthly family as they move on day by day.

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Theresa Milne
August 25, 2022 at 3:05 pm

For Ellie’s family. After the funeral, I took some of the altar flowers and placed them under the sign at the old Eastern building.

Rest now, good and faithful servant.

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Mary Doersam
August 26, 2022 at 6:36 pm

As Eleanor made her journey to her final resting place today, she was driven by Eastern one last time. The family was touched to see the flowers by the sign. Thank you

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Shirley (Leonard) but now Baucom
August 25, 2022 at 5:28 pm

She was a good teacher and principal. I went to Eastern high school in the 80s I was the class of 84 and half of 85.she will be missed by a lot people.

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Mark Fales
August 26, 2022 at 6:55 am

God Bless you Eleanor Doersam and family. You are a true giant in my memories of Eastern High School. Rest in Peace.

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Lisa Skoczylas
August 26, 2022 at 8:31 am

Eastern Quakers Class of 89′ here. Ms. Doersam was our principal and it was rare that you never saw her without a smile. Our thoughts are with her family at this time and she will be remembered fondly.

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Cindy Mielock Class of '76
August 26, 2022 at 10:37 pm

Lansing Eastern High School has lost it’s biggest cheer leader. “Miss Doersam” was Assistant Principal when I graduated in 1976. I worked in her office and got to know her as an Honor Society member and as VP of my Class of 1976. She was a breast cancer survivor and a woman who broke the glass ceiling long ago…she made it look so easy but I know it was a struggle. She never had children of her own but every student at Eastern High School was part of her family and she followed their successes into adulthood. I got my job with the State of Michigan because my first boss asked if I knew her when he saw where I had gone to HS. She told him to hire me and he did. I’ve always been so thankful. Ellie asked me to join the Grants Committee of the Lansing Eastern High School Alumni Fund many years ago and I still serve. She and several other retired teachers and graduates created this fund with the Capitol Region Community Foundation to provide scholarships and grants to LEHS students and teachers. LEHS is the only Lansing School with such a fund. Ellie helped create this fund after she had retired. She worked on this fund and other LEHS alumni events because she truly cared about the community. She is a true gem and her efforts will be her legacy. I will miss her…..we all will miss her.

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MaryLea Benson
August 27, 2022 at 11:42 am

A great friend and woman who will be greatly missed by all.
Peace and God’s Grace to all.

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Kathleen Langschwager
August 27, 2022 at 6:52 pm

She gently touched our lives in many ways. Being from Saginaw, my Husband also was an Arthur Hill Lumberjack. My uncle and Godfather. Leonard Duquette, helped build Arthur Hill, as a brick mason, He died in World War II, so the school had a special meaning to me. Her mother worked at Saginaw Veterans Hospital where my husband was a paperboy. She always referred to him as her classmate. She was one of the best people I have ever known. So glad my kids had a chance to know her. She had the love and respect of many. She was a blessing to this world.

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Judy Haskell Gearing Roanoke, VA
August 28, 2022 at 3:45 pm

I felt a real sense of loss when my brother sent me the notice about Miss Doersam. Like my brother Bruce, and my sister Becky, I am an Eastern High School alum. I am the oldest, Class of 1969, and I have fond memories of then Asst. Principal Miss Doersam. She was always a leader and a friend to the students. I remember her ordering out lunch for us as we attended an Honor Society board meeting. Though I have lived in Virginia these past 39 years, surprisingly our paths crossed from time to time when I came home to Michigan. And it was always so good to talk with her! We were touched when she came to the visitations for both my parents when they passed away in 2007 and 2017. She was a good friend to the family even though we did not see her often. And so, I send my heartfelt condolences to her family, but also my admiration for a most remarkable lady who impacted all who knew her with strength and kindness.

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Linda Delgado Kipp
August 29, 2022 at 2:07 pm

On behalf of myself and the American Red Cross, Mid-Michigan Chapter, we wish to express our deepest sympathy to Ellie’s family and friends.

It was my pleasure to get to know and work with Ellie when she volunteered to serve on the Board of Directors of the Mid-Michigan Chapter.

Ellie’s amazing spirit and the lives of all she impacted will always be cherished as special memories – to remain us to be shared with others. She will be deeply missed.

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Mary C. Mertz-Smith
August 30, 2022 at 4:48 pm

My condolences to Ms. Doersam’s family. My Mother apparently asked her if she had a job for me when I was a student and she was the Assistant Principal (72-75.) I wouldn’t recall that had she not come to the funeral home twelve years ago to pay her respects when my Mother passed away. I treasure my memories of working for her. She is and was someone to emulate.
Mary C. Mertz-Smith
Class of 1975

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Cindy Restuccia
September 2, 2022 at 10:21 am

I am eternally grateful to Ellie Doersam for hiring me to teach at Eastern High School for the 1991-1992 school year. She was my wise mentor. She soon retired after I began teaching at Eastern, but her caring, kindness, and support have always been there for me. She will forever hold a special place in my heart!

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Julie M Teed
September 5, 2022 at 6:58 pm

To the family and friends, and many students of Mrs. Doersam, my sincerest condolences. Mrs. Doersam was the kind of educator who truly made a difference in so many lives! She believed in me and told me straight up when I was making poor choices. She was 100% committed to her students and to doing her best to see them succeed. She will live on through so many of those who have made a better life as a result of her caring. May God Bless her, rest in Peace. My thoughts and prayers are with her brother Paul and his wife, Mary.

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Joan Chapman Juul
October 3, 2022 at 4:11 pm

Eleanor was a wonderful friend and the class leader during our years at Arthur Hill High School. My husband and I were able to meat with her once while she was a principal.
My twin sister Jean and I both enjoyed and appreciated her friendship during our years in Saginaw.

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Robert Pulver
September 10, 2023 at 10:34 pm

She always stayed in charge, and pushed us in spirit.
Thankfully, I never had to go to her office.
I almost wish I had at least once, but unfortunately it didn’t happen.
My closest encounter was at the end, walking out and receiving my diploma.
Like she wanted for all of us, I went far between that day and now, and give her my appreciation.
RIP Mum.

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