IN MEMORIAM.

• Author: Banerji, Chitrita
• Position: Eleanor M. Dorsey - Obituary - Brief Article

Eleanor M. Dorsey

The phone rang in my old office at 3 Joy Street. I had just joined CLF and I didn't expect the phone to ring too often. Whenever it did, I picked it up with some nervousness, wondering who it could be or what was going to be demanded of me as I felt my way around and struggled with my first attempt to create CLF's Annual Report. It was a bright and cheerful voice.

"Hi, Chitrita, this is Ellie Dorsey, a staff scientist at CLF. I am on maternity leave now but will be back soon. I am calling to say how delighted I am that someone with your international background has become our editor. I look forward to getting to know you and to working with you."

That was January 1992. Ellie's daughter Nora had been born three months back. In a workplace where everyone was friendly, but often too overwhelmed with work, Ellie's voice, vibrant with laughter and spirit, gave me an intimation of real friendship. We spent several years together at CLF, until she left to move to Washington, D.C. in 1998. Our offices were on the same floor and I would frequently hear, as I walked by or stood near the printer, the delightful sound of Ellie's laughter. It was exactly like her--full-bodied, generous, upbeat.

I loved to hear her talk about her experiences as a researcher on the lives and habits of minke whales. But mostly, I was amazed at the passion and conviction she brought to her work as a marine scientist at CLF. It was not merely a job for her. The restoration of New England's depleted fisheries was a cause she ardently fought for with the weapon she commanded best--dispassionate science. At work, when we debated the issues, Ellie's conviction and enthusiasm were always apparent. She was never afraid to speak her mind, even if it meant disagreeing with others. And there was a feistiness to her that could energize the sleepiest mortal. I well remember one staff meeting at our 62 Summer Street office. We were all gathered in the large conference room. Ellie had come late and was standing near the door, still dressed in her warm jacket.

Douglas Foy, our president, mentioned one of our more controversial cases, and looked around for an advocate to explain all the relevant issues. "Oh, I can tell you about that," said Ellie, proceeding to take her coat off. We all laughed. It was a laughter of enjoyment and...