Virginia Howes White, a proper-yet-independent Bostonian woman, who had lived in the house of her birth for 100 years, began the journey towards her next adventure on December 14, 2022. At the time of her passing, Mrs. White was enjoying the beauty of this year’s newly-arrived Christmas tree, artfully decorated with a collection of ornaments gathered across the decades.

A Home Economics graduate from Framingham Teacher’s College, Mrs. White spent her career as an educator. To her last days, her students remained in contact, continuing to seek guidance and to include her in their lives. Mrs. White’s career paths also lead her to earn an MA in Public Relations from Boston University.

Resulting from her interest in local history, Mrs. White held Sturbridge Village's longest membership to date with 66 years. Mrs. White's life exemplifies the role of volunteerism and service through leadership roles within historical societies, fraternal and parliamentary organizations, her church and community. Later in her life Virginia married the late Gardner W. White. Although Mrs. White never had children, she often took the children of friends and neighbors under her wing, providing safe havens, sage advice, and support.

A world traveler Mrs. White had visited countries across five continents. Joined by her niece, she enjoyed the diversity of cruising, climbed the Great Wall of China, and took cooking classes in Paris and Argentina.

Marianne Pinkham, Virginia’s niece, and Catherine, Michael, Joseph, Kevin and Jess Durickas, and Tony and My Nguyen, invite friends of the family and community to join them at the First Parish Church, 10 Parish Street in Dorchester at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 30, for the wake and memorial service. The burial ceremony will be held at 1:15 p.m. at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA, where Mrs. White will be laid to rest by her husband Gardner.

To share in the beauty of Virginia’s favorite colors, please attend in shades of white, yellow and blue. In her honor wear a hat!

We wish to share with you the memories we have of Virginia’s rich life. When you have a moment, please take time to discover some snapshots of this remarkable woman by going to: https://www.virginiawhite.org/

Arrangements are entrusted to the McHoul Funeral Home, Dorchester, MA. (mchoulfh.com)

Floral bouquets are gratefully declined. In lieu, tribute donations can be made in Mrs. White’s memory to:

Animal Rescue League of Boston - https://tinyurl.com/ycxpa7w2

Franklin Park Zoo - https://www.zoonewengland.org/franklin-park-zoo.aspx

Sturbridge Village - https://10797.blackbaudhosting.com/10797/AF-Fall