Maria White

Maria Mavis White was born on September 26, 1928, in Panama City, Panama, at Santo Tomás Hospital to Eva Riley and O’Shea Eneleda. She was lovingly raised by Eva Riley and Theophilus Babb. Maria was the sister of Harold Reid, Josefina Lidia de Baker, and Olga Jeff.

In 1955, Maria came to the United States, beginning a new chapter in her life. Eight years later, on June 18, 1963, she married the love of her life, Henry Hugh White. Together, Maria and Henry built a beautiful life and shared 62 years of marriage before his passing on January 28, 2026.

Maria dedicated many years of her life to caring for others through her work at Mount Sinai Hospital in the Maternal Child Health Department. She spent much of her career on the maternity floor including labor and delivery, where she initially served as an Infant Care Technician before becoming a Nursing Assistant. She retired from Mount Sinai Hospital at the age of 65.

Retirement gave Maria the opportunity to enjoy many of the things she loved most. She and Henry traveled the world together, creating cherished memories along the way. She also treasured time spent with her family and friends.

Maria was a generous and compassionate soul. Wherever she saw a need, she sought to help. She had a deep love and unwavering commitment to her family and was a source of strength, wisdom, and encouragement to everyone who knew her. Maria was truly the bedrock of her family.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Those who knew her well knew that Sunday mornings were sacred. Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Maria was devoted to worship and would not be disturbed. Her faith was woven into the fabric of who she was.

Maria also believed in taking care of herself. She enjoyed fitness and regularly attended exercise classes at the senior center multiple times a week, continuing well into her 80s. She was a woman who embraced life and remained active, curious, and engaged.

Maria had many interests and passions. She was a devoted fan of Dr. Oz and The View. She loved interior design and had a remarkable eye for creating spaces that were regal, elegant, and sophisticated. Maria believed in quality and took great pride in choosing beautiful, well-made furniture and home décor.

She was also a wonderful cook and took great pleasure in preparing food for those she loved. And, of course, no remembrance of Maria would be complete without mentioning her love of ice cream, especially Häagen-Dazs ice cream bars, which eventually became her beloved nightly indulgence.

Although Maria never had children of her own, she poured her love, wisdom, time, and resources into her nieces and nephews, who lovingly called her Tia and became like her own children. She loved them deeply and left an indelible mark on their lives. Her influence will continue through the generations of family she nurtured and loved.

Maria lived a life marked by faith, family, service, generosity, strength, and love. She was a woman who gave of herself freely, cared deeply for others, and made a lasting difference in the lives of those around her.

Maria Mavis White leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.

She is survived by her sisters, Josefina Lidia de Baker and Olga Jeff; nieces Zulima Cox and Ashaki Caquias; nephew Abelardo Jeff; and a host of grandnieces, grandnephews, great grandnieces, great grandnephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory

Though she is no longer with us, the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the memories she created will remain in our hearts forever.

May her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.