Mary V. White

Mary White claimed her eternal reward on August 18th after a period of declining health. Born to Joseph and Helen Lane in 1931 in Boston, Mary grew up in Dorchester and was proud of her “OFD” heritage. It was more than the place where she was born; it was part of who she was, part of her story, and part of the wonderful character that made her so special. Mary graduated from State Teachers College in Boston with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1953 and a Master of Science in Education in 1961. Mary met her future husband by chance while on a trip to Bermuda marrying Leo White, a widower with a young family, in 1966. She embraced and forever cherished his daughters as if they were her very own. They had many happy years together until Leo’s passing in 2003. Mary started her teaching career at Snug Harbor in Quincy and taught in the Westwood Public Schools for 20 years and still is remembered fondly by her student’s decades after retiring. She taught not only in the classroom, but also through the way she lived. Mary personified grace and dignity, always quick to offer a kind and supportive word as well as an optimistic attitude. Mary’s deep Catholic faith was a hallmark of her identity and an inspiration to many. Mary and Leo spent most of their years living in Westwood and later in Walpole. They also enjoyed many summers at Westport Beach. They were avid Boston sports fans, particularly the Red Sox and enjoyed following the team as part of Leo’s career as a sports cartoonist. In retirement they loved their cruises and trips to Ireland as well as wintering in Bonita Springs, FL. In 2022, Mary moved to Ohio to be near her daughter, Anne. Mary faced this major change with the same spirit that had carried her through so much of her life forging new friendships while never letting go of those she had made over the many years before. Mary loved the beach, Vodka Gimlets, ice cream, a good book, lunches with friends and family gatherings. Her love for family was immense and unwavering. Her devotion to her friends was equally profound. She understood that relationships are one of life’s greatest gifts. She valued people, stayed interested in their lives, and gave generously of herself. Whether she was offering a listening ear, a word of encouragement, a prayer, or a good laugh, she made people feel better simply by being there. She had an uncanny ability to make connections wherever life took her and brightened the days of those in her path. Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, Leo, and their daughter, Mary Teresa. She is survived by their daughter, Anne, and her husband Scott. She was a proud grandmother to her grandsons Alex and Patrick as well as his wife, LeAnne. She was predeceased by her brothers and their wives, Joe (Doris), Gerard (Carol) and John (Marlene). She leaves behind many nieces and nephews who also adored and cherished her. She will be dearly missed by many treasured friends. A celebration of Mary’s remarkable life will be held on October 23rd at Blessed Sacrament Parish. People are invited to wear purple in honor of Mary’s favorite color. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stephanie Spielman Breast Cancer Research in Columbus Ohio. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences. Funeral arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.