Judith White

1921-2024

Judith White, of Peabody, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 29,2024 following a short period of declining health. Less than 4 months shy of her 103rd birthday, she presented more like an 83-year-old than her chronological age. She was predeceased by her husband of 72 years, Oscar White, and was the loving mother of two daughters, Roberta (Bobbi) Smith of Marblehead and Joanne White of Arlington, MA.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Judy was the daughter of Celia (Newman) and Solomon Sack. She grew up in Coney Island and Brighton Beach together with her parents and sister, Boomie, surrounded by the large extended Newman family. Following her graduation from Brooklyn College she pursued her master’s degree in chemistry at Brooklyn Polytech. During World War 2 she worked for the Signal Corp and then, together with her sister, (who also had an advanced degree in chemistry!) worked as a chemist at General Aniline and Film. When her children were older, she went back to work as assistant manager in a credit union.

Judy and Oscar were introduced by a mutual friend in 1947 and within a year they were married. They initially lived in a tiny one room apartment in Greenwich Village. From there they moved to Yonkers and Queens, until they settled in their forever home in Pearl River, NY in 1957.

Judy and Oscar were best friends. It was rare that you saw one without the other and together they shared numerous interests. They were passionate about early music and devoted considerable time to playing, performing and studying recorder, viola de gamba, and other Elizabethan instruments. They traveled extensively internationally and were active participants at Elder Hostels (now Road Scholar). Their weekly rituals included a team approach to the NY Times crossword puzzles (always in ink!), regular early morning walks through the mall, and Sunday cooking events where they prepared multiple entrees for their ever-full freezer. They didn’t dwell on being old and were always ready for the next adventure.

When Oscar died suddenly just prior to the pandemic, Judy knew she wanted to be closer to her daughters. At the age of 99 she sold the home she had lived in for 64 years and moved 250 miles away into an apartment at Brooksby Village, a community where she knew no one. Fiercely independent, it didn’t take long for her to embrace the community and for them to embrace her. She was game to try just about everything. She found a group of recorder players and began playing and performing with them, she became a regular at Improv, she volunteered at the thrift shop and the library, she joined 2 book clubs and a knitting group, and was a regular scrabble and skip bo player. Judy enthusiastically attended lectures and cultural events and, up until the last several months, she was walking (proudly unassisted) close to ¼ mile a day. She formed many incredible friendships at Brooksby. And it was the support of these wonderful devoted friends that kept her going until the very end.

Judy was frequently asked about her secrets to longevity. She would say chocolate. We think it was also her openness, her positive attitude, her inquisitive nature and her commitment to continuous learning. She was a role model to so many who knew her.

In addition to her daughters, Bobbi and Joanne (Ted Friedman), she is survived by grandchildren, Zach Smith of Brooklyn, NY., Doron (Helen)Erez of Godalming, UK, and Ilan Erez of Arlington, MA; great granddaughter, Aria Erez, of Godalming, UK; and sister, Boomie Cahn of Pearl River, NY. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Oscar, sons-in-law, Dan Smith and Zvi Erez, and brother-in-law, Arno Cahn.

A Celebration of Judy’s Life will be held on Monday, March 25 at 1PM at the Windsor Restaurant at Brooksby Village, located at 101 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody. Donations in Judy’s memory can be made to Brooksby Village Resident Care Fund, 300 Brooksby Village Drive, Attn. Philanthropy Office – Hope Moore, Peabody, MA 01960. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for the White family.