Paula D. White

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Paula (DiPaolo) White due to a sudden relapse of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Paula approached her illness as she did everything in life, with positivity, courage and dignity. She was an extraordinary woman with a loving, patient and generous heart who impacted the lives of many. This was most notably demonstrated as the devoted caregiver for her husband of 53 years, Roger, who suffered a traumatic brain injury. Paula was committed to ensuring those around her achieved their highest potential. She was a mentor to many and enjoyed sharing her knowledge, expertise and connections.

After Paula graduated from St Mary of the Springs Academy as valedictorian in 1961, she attended The Ohio State University. In 1964, she earned a BS degree in Social Studies and Elementary Education. During her time at OSU, Paula was an active member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.

Paula began her career at St Agatha School as a 2nd grade teacher. She put her career on hold to raise her children. During that time, she volunteered for many organizations including Nationwide Children's Hospital, Twig 122, Pleasure Guild, COSI Women's Association and as a parent school volunteer.

Paula resumed her career in 1982 focused on Special Education for the Upper Arlington School District. She earned several certifications and endorsements in this field as well as a Master of Arts in Special Education and Supervision in 1994. Paula was passionate about assisting special needs students to become successful, independent members of their community. She was an advocate for students and a valuable resource for parents, staff, medical professionals and educational agencies. She was recognized for her achievements both in the classroom and as an Intervention Services Coordinator through various awards including: UA School District Special Education Teacher of the Year, UA Rotary Golden Bear Award, UA Civic Association Golden Apple Award and Central Ohio Special Education Award. Paula retired in 2013 but continued to work as a consultant.

Paula, along with her twin brother Paul, was the youngest of nine children. She believed in "family first" rarely missing one of her children's sporting events, dance recitals or school activities. Family dinners were a priority, even if it was Tommy's pizza in the pharmacy breakroom. Paula loved to entertain and plan events such as reunions, birthday parties and family weddings. No accomplishment was too small to recognize and celebrate. Paula enjoyed traveling, dancing, shopping and cheering for her beloved Buckeyes.

Thank you to the family members, friends and neighbors that supported Paula during her illness, a testament to Paula's positive impact on others. The family would also like to thank the wonderful doctors and nurses at The James Cancer Hospital.

Preceded in death by her husband Roger White; father and mother, Paul and Enerina (Centofanti) DiPaolo; siblings Mary Casanta, Florence Casanta, Nevina DiPaolo, Richard DiPaolo and Esther Gibson; in-laws Robert Keefe, Harry Montavon and Kathleen DiPaolo.

Survived by daughter Wendy, son Andy (Amelia Nicklaus), grandsons Olin, Brennan and Liam White; siblings Louise Keefe, Teresa Montavon, Paul DiPaolo; many in-laws, nieces and nephews from the Ryan, Jackson, Murphy, Hoyle, Avery, Montavon, Morley, Palma, Gibson, DiPaolo, Bennett, Mizer and Nicklaus families.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, February 23, at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd., from 1:00-3:00 pm followed by a service at 3:00 pm to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthur C. James Cancer Hospital, 460 W. 10th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.