Geraldine E. "Geri" White

Geraldine E. "Geri" White, age 82, passed away in the Norwood Hospital in Norwood, Massachusetts on Monday, May 2, 2016. Born in Rockland, Maine on September 26, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Marion Dray. She was raised and educated under harsh conditions in Maine before moving to Westwood, Massachusetts in 1946, settling down the street from Ralph W. White. Under a new environment, Geri thrived. She continued her education in Westwood High School, where she was a cheerleader and a member of the tennis team. She graduated from high school with the Class of 1952, serving as Class Secretary. After graduation, Geri took a secretarial position in Boston.

Geri married her high school sweetheart, Ralph W. White, on November 4, 1952 in Kingsland, Georgia, after he returned from the First Marine Division in Korea and a lengthy recuperation period in a U.S. military hospital in Japan. As Ralph was still serving his country, the young couple spent their early years living on military bases, including Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, Quantico in Virginia, and finally the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Naval Base. After his discharge, Geri and Ralph settled in Walpole, Massachusetts in 1956 to raise their young family.

Once her children had grown, Geri returned to the working world in 1969. She took a position with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association. She retired in 1999 after 30 years of dedicated service as an accountant.

Geri's social calendar was always full, as she served as the Past President of the Thomas H. Crowley American Legion Post 104 Ladies Auxiliary for 32 years and was a member of the Walpole Women's Bowling League at the Highway Bowl-A-Way for several years. In her position with the Legion, she sponsored Girls State which parallels Boys State in sending incoming seniors to it's government education program which it holds at Stonehill College each June. The program continues to thrive. In addition to social functions, Geri also enjoyed quiet time at home. As a talented gardener, she loved tending to her flower gardens and as a gourmet cook, she could be found in her kitchen preparing food from recipes she recalled from memory.

Most of all, Geri treasured the time that she spent with her family. While her son took part in Cub Scouts of America, Geri loved spending time with him, serving as a Den Mother. As she got older, traveling became a large part of her life, and she enjoyed trips to Florida, New York, as well as several cruises with her daughters and grandchildren. Geri and Ralph traveled back to the "new Maine" every summer together, enjoying the beauty that the state has to offer.

Beloved wife of Ralph W. White.
Loving mother of Susan L. Rehrey and her husband William of Sharon, Nancy E. Delaney and her husband Leo of Walpole, Lori J. Hastings and her husband Tim of Norton, and the late Billy R. White.
Cherished grandmother of Christopher and his wife Lindsay of Mansfield, Jill of Brooklyn, NY, Benjamin and Emily both of Norton, Kevin and Joseph both of Walpole, and the late Billy Rehrey and great grandmother of Bridget Rehrey of Mansfield.
Sister of Charlene Dodge of Searsmont, ME, Marie Nune of Lodi, CA, Dennis White and Danny White both of CA.
Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Geri's Life Celebration on Friday, May 6, 2016 from 4-8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Service will be held in the United Church, 30 Common Street, Walpole on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Alzheimer's Association 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472.