Dorothy Olsen Ball, 81, a 30-year resident of Miami Lakes, died due to Parkinson’s Disease on May 28 in her home in Gainesville.
Ball dedicated her life to helping others, empowering women through her work with Zonta International (area director), helping those less fortunate than her through United Protestant Appeal (president) and recording audio books for the blind.
She also counseled girls at a Miami juvenile detention facility, mentored an immigrant woman to read and write English, and taught Sunday school for 18 years at Sunrise Presbyterian Church.
Ball was awarded the Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award which recognizes the most dedicated volunteer in the community each year. Her career included many years as assistant secretary of the University of Miami.
A loving mother and wife, Ball is survived by her husband of 60 years, Joe; children Curtis, Phyllis, Tom, and Steve; daughter-in-law Kim; and grandchildren Jonathan and Austin.