Dorothy Hulm was sitting up in her bed at Albany Hospital on Thursday, brimming with excitement.

Her beloved West Coast Eagles were coming for a visit and the 97-year-old grandmother was so looking forward to meeting her football heroes that she called the hospital reception six times to find out when they would arrive.

When Luke Shuey, Eric Mackenzie and Elliot Yeo finally walked through her door, Dorothy peppered the trio with questions and was thrilled to receive a 2014 team poster as a special memento of the visit.

Later that night, Dorothy sadly passed away.

Her grand-daughter Poppie Jachmann wrote to the club on Friday morning, informing them of the news in a heartfelt email (reproduced below), explaining just how important simple gestures can be in our busy lives.

Hi

Yesterday, a few members of the Eagles football club visited the Albany hospital, and in turn, my Nanna, Dorothy Hulm.

My Nan was a fierce supporter, the West Coast Eagles could do no wrong in her eyes. She was thrilled to have met several of the players, and I've heard she was rather pleased with her signed poster :) 

Unfortunately, last night Nan passed away at age 97. An amazing life, and yet very hard to accept its end. We just cannot thank the West Coast Eagles Club for making her last day extra special. I personally am not an eagles supporter (one of the few in the family), however we just wanted to thank the club so much for partaking in this endeavour to connect with their supporters. It is little efforts such as these that create the most happiest of moments.

All the best, and kind regards,

The Family that Dorothy Hulm Built