Obituary
view guestbook | sign guestbook

Barbara Elizabeth White

Date of Death: June 12, 2016

Date of Birth: April 28, 1926

Biography:

Barbara Elizabeth Wiley White, 90,died on Sunday, June 12, 2016 peacefully at home in Harpswell, Maine where she had been lovingly cared for by her family. She was born April 28, 1926 at home in North Chevy Chase, Maryland to parents Sumner and Winifred Wiley. She is survived by sister-in-law Ida Wiley of Maine, daughter-in-law, Rae Anne White of Michigan, son Peter and wife Deborah White of Massachusetts, daughter Linda and husband Chris Hall of Maine, daughter Nancy White of Maine, son Scott and wife Sandi White of California, beloved friends Sandra and Vince Golonka and nieces Joanne Prentice, Peggy Trees and Sylvia Wiley. She is predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Robert Leslie White, her son Robert Alan White, sister Marjorie Wiley and husband Robert Prentice, nephew Richard Prentice and brother Sumner Kennard Wiley, Jr. She graduated from Newton High School in Massachusetts with her future husband, Robert Leslie White, in June, 1943. Her husband Bob joined the Navy and entered MIT in July. Barbara entered Simmons in September. When she graduated in 1946 she was a committed member of the Simmons Student Council. Her degree was a BS in Home Economics Education. She and Robert were married in 1946 when he graduated from MIT. She was a stay-at-home mom until their youngest was in first grade. During her “mom at home” years she was a Cub Scout Mom, a Girl Scout leader and a Sunday School teacher. To prepare for her teaching career, she went to Purdue University for an MS in Education. She started teaching in East Chicago, Indiana, where she stayed for 3 years, then 20 years at Crown Point High School. During her teaching years she was President of Indiana Home Economic Teachers for 2 – 3 years and Vice President of the Indiana American Association of University Women. In 1988 she was chosen Indiana Vocational Teacher of the Year. When she and Bob moved to Maine in 1990, they were able to design their own home on family land and enjoyed sailing with many family members and friends during the summer. In addition, Barbara took literacy training to be a tutor. She tutored one adult for 9 years, and trained other tutors simultaneously. She was also chairman of Literacy Volunteers of America – Bath/Brunswick, and a major force in the creation of the “Read With Me!” literacy program for parents with young children. She worked with the state board and ultimately the local boards to have a paid staff. Barbara was a woman of faith, living her life as Jesus taught and spreading the love of Christ to all. She was an elder in the Presbyterian Church in Crown Point, Indiana and a deacon at the Congregational church in Harpswell, as well as a Chair of King's Daughters of Harpswell. She adored her six granddaughters Kim, Jessica, Leanne, Heather, Meredith and Lexi, taking great pride and delight in their individual accomplishments. She enjoyed having the opportunity to get to know 5 great-grandchildren, Katie, Emily, Zack, Ben, and Gertrude. Barbara's love of life and family was infectious. She had friends from all walks of life and was always there to lend a listening ear, a helping hand, and to encourage the people around her. She influenced more people than she ever could have imagined. The family would like to thank Chans Home Health Care Hospice for all the special care provided to Barbara during her illness. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's memory can be directed to: Tri-County Literacy, 34 Wing Farm Parkway, Bath, Maine 04530 or online at http://tricountyliteracy.org/contribute/. Questions can be directed to Deb Nowak at 443-6384. A Memorial Service will be held at the Elijah Kellogg Congregational Church in Harpswell, Maine on July 5th at 10:00 am.