Updates

 

IT IS FINALLY HERE! WHAT YOU ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!

 

Don Mahoney: Television Star: Chong, Peggy: 9781098082956: Amazon.com: Books

 

My first book in print!  Get your copy today!

 

Read about Don Mahoney, a man who decided to keep his blindness a secret and did so for almost ten years.

 

Please get your copy and encourage others to purchase a copy today.

 

This book is a great story for school and public libraries to include in their persons with disabilities collection.  

 

Get my book, read it and tell me what you think.

 

Peggy Chong

 

 

 

And

 

If you would like to have a presentation from The Blind History Lady, please send an email to theblindhistorylady@gmail.com

 

 

THOSE SOON TO BE IN OUR HISTORY

 

Ken Meyer

 

Gone from our sight, but never from our radio waves or hearts.

•79 years old

•Born on August 14, 1946 in Rochester, New York, United States

•Passed away on August 21, 2025 in Charleston, South Carolina, United States

A respected voice of the airwaves, Ken Meyer, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025. Ken’s passion for radio began at a young age, and he dedicated his life to a long and successful career as a broadcaster. His love for being on air was evident in every broadcast, and he was one of the most famous radio producers to date, including an induction into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2011.

 

A proud alumnus of the New York State School for the Blind, Ken paved the way to show that the power of sound can overcome a lack of sight. He found great joy in the simple pleasures of reading, spending time with his beloved dogs, ordering everything with extra bleu cheese, and being first in line for every roller coaster. He loved being at home with his wife and cheering on every single Boston team. 

 

Ken is survived by his wife, Terrie, his children, Janet and David, his mother-in-law, Mary, his school family, his life-long friends Bonnie, Leslie, Rodney, and Trey, and his dogs, Hugo and Lady. He had so many close friends from his time in radio and they were all special in their own way. Mark, Kay, Jacqui, Sonja, and Gay were special among those friends. Anyone not named were and are still memorable in his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen, his marvelous wonder dog Zimbi, his special cousins, Carol and Donna, and many aunts and uncles. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

 

A memorial service will be held in Massachusetts before a private burial next to his parents in Rochester, New York. In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made to the Perkins School for the Blind in Ken’s honor.

 

Judi Hollyhead

 

Judi Marie Hollyhead was born on April 12, 1942, 83 years young. Judi passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, in her home surrounded with love.

 

She was a loving mother and grandmother, the most big-hearted lady anyone could ever know. Her big heart fueled her to care for others before she cared for herself. She was forever the nurturer. She cared for her family and her animals. She loved all animals. Judi’s true passion was caring for as many animals as possible.

A strong lady. She loved reading books. She loved being outside, either in her swing or gardening. Judi developed a love of travel. Swimming with sharks in the Dominican Republic and taking several cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, and Hawaii. She loved the water.

 

Judi worked at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as a booking tech for many years.

Judi lost part of her vision in 2008. She was an active member of the Colorado Center for the Blind. She participated in the organization by informing others of being visually impaired. She made several friends that became very special to her. She enjoyed being a part of this community.

 

Judi was preceded in death by her sister, Janet, and her two daughters, Debbie and Tammy.

 

She is survived by her two daughters, Tina and Terri. Her grandchildren: Natasha, Heather, Kandi, Megan, Ashley, Josh, Tabitha, Anthony, Alexis, and Talon. Her great-grandchildren: Ariel, Estrella, Alexander, Danyella, Amaliya, Liliana, Adira, and Logan.

A celebration of life will be held on June 8, 2025, from 12-4p at Colorado Center for the Blind. Located at 2233 W Shepperd Ave., Littleton, CO 80120.

The Internment burial will take place on June 9, 2025, at 3p at Crown Hill Cemetery. Located at 7777 W 29th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

 

 

John Batron

 

John A. Batron (78) passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025.  John was born August 11, 1946 in Calais, Maine.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Amelia, who passed away in 2015.  The two of them had been childhood neighbors, high school sweethearts and are now reunited.  John was passionate about issues concerning the blind, as well as his family.  John wrote several books that were published in both print & Braille, including: “I am a Crayon”, “The Yellow Pumpkin”, Wee Willy Wiggle Worn” and “Emma Jean and the Robot”.  

 

John is survived by his two sisters: Janice from Maine and Sally from South Carolina, his son, Brent, daughter-in-law, Ena and 5 grandchildren, Gavin, Sienna, Olivia, Noah and Roman, all of Colorado.

 

During his life, he worked as a security guard, a carpenter and helped his wife with their puppy raising and show–dogs. He built decks for many families around his community in Maine. 

 

When he became a grandfather, John and his wife moved to the Denver, Colorado area to be near them. In his new community, he quickly became a champion of seniors losing their sight at a later age and set out to not only be an example, but a friend to help each newly blinded senior he found through their struggles with a new lifestyle.

 

John was an avid sports fan. He turned his love of sports into a fundraiser for the organizations he belonged to. 

 

The last few years of his life, he lost much of his hearing making it difficult for him to participate in many activities. Yet, he found a way either through zoom or friends to help him navigate.  He was loved by everyone he met.

 

Catherine Marie (Amaral) Gaffney

September 9, 1953 ~ March 20, 2025 (age 71)

 

Catherine Gaffney Obituary

 

Providence – Catherine Marie (Amaral) Gaffney, fondly known as Cathy, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, at Miriam Hospital in Providence, RI. Born on September 9, 1953, in Providence, Cathy was a beacon of light and strength throughout her 71 years.

 

Cathy was the loving wife of the late Richard Alan Gaffney, cherished daughter of the late Alfred and Lillian (Pacheco) Amaral, and devoted sister of the late Elizabeth J. Roderick and her late husband Gerald J. Roderick. Despite the loss of her dear niece, the late Donna M. Ferreira, Cathy’s spirit remained undiminished, and she continued to be a source of love and support for her family. She will be deeply missed by her nephew David A. Roderick and his wife Christine M. Roderick, nephew Darren G. Roderick and his wife Kim, as well as Johnny Calacone. Cathy’s role as a doting Godmother was beautifully evident in her relationship with her Godson and Great nephew David Roderick II and his wife Ashley, and she took immense joy in the lives of her twin great-great nephews Lucas David Roderick and Mason William Roderick, all of whom reside in East Providence, RI.

 

A proud graduate of East Providence High School and Amherst College, Cathy’s educational pursuits were reflective of her lifelong love of learning and her commitment to personal growth. Her professional life was marked by a deep commitment to service and community. Cathy’s dedication shone through her work as a Volunteer Coordinator of the Information and referral service for the Arthritis Foundation. In addition, her passion for advocacy led her to the National Federation of the Blind of RI, where she served as Secretary and Board Member for several years, helping to improve the lives of others facing similar challenges. Cathy also brought her meticulous attention to detail to her role in the accounting department at American Insulated Wire, where she was respected and admired by her colleagues.

 

Though Cathy had lived the last year of her life in Providence, she spent the majority of her life in East Providence. A faithful parishioner of St. Brendan Church, she found solace and community within its walls. Cathy’s interests were diverse and joyful; she had an enduring love for music, which brought her much comfort and happiness. She was often surrounded by friends and family, especially during the holidays, where she reveled in the warmth of shared traditions. Cathy also had a special fondness for music boxes, each melody a cherished note in the symphony of her life.

 

Cathy faced many challenges head-on, meeting each with the courage and grace that became her hallmark. Her resilience and determination were an inspiration to all who knew her. In the face of adversity, she fought the great fight and prevailed time and again. In her final days, Cathy resided at Wingate Assisted Living, where she continued to demonstrate the loving and gentle spirit that made her so beloved by those around her.

 

Cathy’s legacy is one of love, courage, and gentleness. Her life was a testament to the power of positivity and the strength of the human spirit. Her memory will be treasured by all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her influence will continue to be felt by the countless lives she touched.

 

Dolores Molina Reisinger, 93, passed away February 17, 2025, at Meth-Wick Community. 

 

Dolores was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Reisinger, and her parents Dolores Munhoz and João Molina. Surviving relatives, all of Sao Paulo, Brazil, include her sisters Dirce Molina Munhoz and Vera Lucia Molina (Darcio Francisco) Marcilio; two nephews, Thiago Molina (Dainana Santana) Marcilio and Marcelo Molina (Rosana) Marcilio; a niece, Valeria Marcilio (Fernando) Triboni; five great-nieces and -nephews, Antonella Santana, Vitoria and Mariana Marcilio, and Bruno Marcilio and Fernanda Marcilio Triboni; a cousin she was particularly close to, Magali Munhoz; and several dear friends including Kathy Hall, who was with Dolores daily from the time she moved from her home to memory care at Meth-Wick.

 

Dolores was born February 5, 1932, and grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in a loving family. She was six months old when her parents learned she was blind. They were determined Dolores grow up as a ‘normal’ person, capable of learning through her remaining senses, and above all, her mind. They allowed her to grow not only physically but mentally, emotionallyand intellectually. 

Dolores attended a special Catholic school for blind children, run by the sisters of St. Vincent de Paul. After elementary and secondary school, she attended Sao Paulo State University, earning a Master of History degree. She taught in Brazil until 1968, when she was invited by the US State Department and the International Federation of the Blind to visit America for a two-month exchange program. The purpose of the trip was to observe schools and rehabilitation centers for blind Americans. 

During her trip to America, Dolores met her future husband, Jack. They were married March 8, 1969, after Dolores decided to leave her home country and permanently move to the United States. At the time, Brazil was experiencing political and military oppression; there was no freedom of press, no freedom of speech, public meetings were not allowed, and citizens were not allowed to voice their opinions.

 

Once in the US, Dolores learned her Brazilian degree was not recognized, so she went back to school. She earned a teaching certificate and Master of Spanish degree from the University of Northern Iowa. She spent the next several years teaching Spanish at Columbus High School in Waterloo. 

 

In 1976, Dolores went to work for the Iowa Department for the Blind as a vocational rehabilitation teacher, serving 11 counties. For more than 18 years, she worked with blind individuals, teaching them the skills they needed to help them live independently. She also helped them understand that blind persons, given an opportunity, can overcome what she called the ‘inconvenience’ of loss of sight. She adamantly taught and believed the real problem of blindness is misunderstanding and lack of information, quite often caused by public attitudes, misconceptions and social prejudices.

 

After retirement, Dolores volunteered as a member of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission. During that time, she received the first of many signed proclamations by the mayor of Cedar Rapids for “White Cane Safety Day” each October 15. She also served on the Linn County “Help America Vote Act” task force, which looked at election systems to ensure accessibility for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. 

 

Additionally, Dolores taught English as a Second Language and Portuguese classes at Kirkwood Community College. She often spoke in front of groups about blindness and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). Every October, during Meet the Blind Month, she actively pursued opportunities to educate the community about blindness.

 

When Dolores came to visit, she was generous with her time, talents, and money. For years, she brought pastries as a gift to friends and family. 

 

Above all, Dolores was devoted to her Catholic faith. She was a longtime member of All Saints parish. She never missed a mass and treated every Sunday like a special occasion, arranging a lunch date with a friend every week. At All Saints, she enjoyed lecturing, knitting with the shawl ministry, and loved to attend and help with church activities like decorating for Christmas, packing meals for Take Away Hunger and partaking in potlucks and celebrations. 

Everyone who knew Dolores could easily recognize her determination. She was a strong person who was never defeated. She enriched the lives of a great number of people and will be loved and missed by all.