Back Then - Dec. 10, 1909 - NYTimes.com Gives Party; Goes to Death Springfield, Mo., Dec. 9 - Determined that none of her social obligations should remain unpaid at her death, Mrs. Alma Dodson, a social leader and the only woman lawyer in this county, invited all her friends to a farewell card party and reception immediately after being informed by her physician that she must submit to an operation that would probably prove fatal. The party was held the day before the operation was performed. Smiling and cheerful, Mrs. Dodson was an admirable hostess. When the party was over and she had bade her guests goodbye, Mrs. Dodson calmly arranged her personal effects and picked out the clothing in which she wished to be attired after death. She then went to the hospital and the operation which was performed there caused her death. The funeral which was held to-day was attended by the members of the Springfield Bar Association. From The New York Times