Jane A. White

Jane Alice Jepsen White, a shining example of devotion to God and family, passed away on Saturday September 8 at her home in Annapolis, MD, at the age of 85. She was surrounded by her children as she was welcomed into the arms of God and of her beloved husband, Arthur “Buggy” White.

Jane was born June 8, 1933 in West Newton, Massachusetts to the late Maurice and Alice Jepsen. The youngest of 11 children, young Jane loved music, movies, theatre and dancing but most of all, she loved God, her family and her friends. She attended Newton High School and subsequently worked at the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company. She eventually moved to New Jersey to be near her sisters and there met the “love of her life” Arthur F. White. They were married on February 25, 1956 and celebrated 62 years of love, laughter and devotion together.

The White Family settled in MD in the early 1960’s and Jane joyfully raised her five children while also finding time to pursue her passion for helping those less fortunate than herself. She was actively involved in the K Street program in Washington, D.C. in the 1960’s, tirelessly devoted time and funds to the HELP program in the 1970’s and volunteered at the Pregnancy Aid Center in Prince George’s County for many years. As her children grew, Jane rejoined the work force outside the home as a retail salesperson for Woodward and Lothrop until her retirement.

Jane’s generosity to people was unparalleled. She loved meeting new people, listening to the stories of people’s lives and providing emotional, spiritual and, often, monetary support. Jane cherished her friends and received indescribable pleasure in socializing with others.

In her retirement years she loved to talk on the phone, travel, go to the theatre, square dance, discuss politics, participate in Bible Study classes and quietly help those in need. Jane frequently visited her family in New England and believed in the value of reaching out to others and fostering relationships.

One of Jane’s great enjoyments was spending time with family and friends on the beaches of Delaware, and she was thrilled when she and Arthur accomplished their dream of building a beach home for their family near Rehoboth Beach.

Her life was a gift to all who knew and loved her. In addition to her parents and all 10 of her siblings, Jane is preceded in death by her cherished husband Arthur and granddaughter Hannah. She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Kimberly Pacheco (Mark), Heidi White Goodson (Gary), Douglas White (Cheri), Andrea Brode, Claudia White-Walters (Jeff); grandchildren: Alex, Michael, Matthew, Megan (Alex), Heather (Jordan), Melanie, Benjamin, Jenna Jane, Meredith and Lauren; great-grandchildren: Dougie, Dean, Charlotte, Zoe Amelia; sister-in-law: Jane Lawless Jepsen; many nieces and nephews, especially Cynthia Soares and Lee Inbody, and her dearest friend, Audrey Donnelly.

Jane will truly be missed by all who knew her. She was unfailingly positive in her outlook on life, always believed in people and never stopped believing in miracles. Jane was an affectionate, expressive and luminous woman who expressed her gratitude to others and God every time she spoke. Her memory is a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested for the Hospice of the Chesapeake or Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Hakuna Matata, Mom. We will love you “forevah and evah and evah”.