Parsons, Hester West "Pollai", "Polly"

Born at El Cajon, CA, with identical twin sister Frances (also deaf). Deafness discovered at age 4, attributed to either premature birth, possible undulant fever at infancy, or whooping cough at age 3 1/2. Began education in an oral school and public schools, then transferred to California School for the Deaf, Berkeley in 1932 for 3 years until the family moved to Tahiti 1935-1941. They returned to the U.S.; she re-entered the California School for 1 year before entering Gallaudet College, graduating in 1947. Married Charles Battad about 1947, but divorced him 12 years later. Travelled alone around the world for 1 year, the first deaf woman to do so (1966-1967). Returned to Gallaudet for 2 more years, then left again in 1969 to move to Hawaii. Authored several books: Idioms for Deaf Children: Humorous Illustrated Idioms and Their Origins, Easy Illustrated Idioms and Proverbs for the Deaf, Road Girl, Hester Hester, and Tahiti. Eventually relocated to Utah, then to California again, then returned to Sandy, UT for final retirement. Identical twin sister, also deaf, is Frances "Peggie" Parsons (q.v.).