Bernardine Helen White

Bernardine is survived by her daughters Nancy White (Kirk Zumhoff) of Port Charlotte, FL, Catherine Kazanowski (Edward Kazanowski) of Dumfries, VA and Peggy White Fouts (Philip Fouts) of Springfield, VA. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband James “Jim” Jay White; Parents, Otto and Marie Anderson; Siblings, Charles “Jack” Anderson, Patricia Squibb, Richard “Tom” Anderson, Catherine Cody and Mary Lou Battles.

Bernardine was born on July 29, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Madison High School, Madison Heights, MI in 1947. She married Jim, her high school sweetheart, in 1949. Together, Bernardine and Jim lived most of their life in the first home they purchased in Troy, MI.  In that home, they proudly raised their three daughters Nancy, Cathy and Peggy. In addition to being a devoted wife and loving mother, Bernardine held many positions outside of the home.  Her last position, from which she retired, was with National City Bank of Birmingham, MI.

Bernardine was a very talented seamstress. She taught herself how to sew while making clothes for her young daughters and other family members. Later, she created many quilts for her immediate and extended family members, some of which she won regional quilting awards. She also enjoyed flower gardening, and both she and Jim worked tirelessly maintaining a comfortable home of which they were very proud. She was also an accomplished ceramist. It is with her creativity and methodical thoughts, she created beautiful objects and an environment for loved ones to enjoy.

Internment will take place at White Chapel Cemetery, Troy, MI after April 2017. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Bernardine’s long-time charitable organization. Please send memorial donations to: https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?cID=14262&pID=24671&sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now&source_code=THWLANDDO17" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?cID=14262&pID=24671&sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now&source_code=THWLANDDO17">https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?cID=14262&pID=24671&sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now&source_code=THWLANDDO17 or  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.