Shirley Elaine White, 90, died March 22, at Horizons Living and Rehab Center in Brunswick, Maine, with family by her side.
White was born May 5, 1924 in Haverhill, daughter of Carl and Lillian Stultz who passed away while she was a young girl. She grew up in Worcester, graduating from the High School of Commerce in 1941. Upon graduation she moved to Haverhill, and worked at Western Electric. Soon after, while attending a concert at Hampton Beach, she met her future husband, Frederick H. White Jr. April 21, 1946. They were married beginning their life together until his passing on April 29, 2005.
White worked in a variety of positions at Raytheon, IRS, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. In the early 1960s, she worked as a real estate broker and was extremely proud to start her own business in Georgetown–a unique endeavor for a homemaker, wife and mother in that decade.
Although developing that early sense of pride and accomplishment in her work, it was with her family and special friends that she found her greatest pleasure and memories. Her happiest times were spent in their company celebrating special holidays, events, and Sunday dinners. Over the years the family moved many times from Haverhill, to Groveland, to Andover, Cape Cod and back to Haverhill. In 2002, they moved to Brunswick, Maine, to be near their son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Brenda, for support and care. Her most cherished memories and friendships were made in Groveland. She spoke fondly of those times in later life, sharing memories of family, dogs, horses, cars and the homes that she and her husband “Freddy” designed and built. Of special importance was the friendship she shared with her friend Doris Lord. She often recalled their frequent exploits with a smile and chuckle. As time passed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren became the center of her universe. Watching them play, grow and develop lives of their own was the highlight of her final years. She loved them dearly!
White was predeceased by her husband in 2005; a son Robert in 2010; and three brothers, Harold, Leonard, and Donald Stultz. She is survived by a daughter Susan Hohn and husband Donald of Long Island, N.Y.; a son Frederick H. “Rick” White III and wife Brenda of Freeport, Maine; a son Stephen White of Bath, Maine; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two special nieces.
The family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the staff at Horizons Living & Rehab Center, CHANS, and CHANS Hospice Care for their compassion and care. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to CHANS Hospice Care, 60 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011. Graveside services and interment will be at Linwood Cemetery in Haverhill on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., under the care of Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main St., Haverhill,