Plan for the Future
Born in western Massachusetts, Catherine and her parents moved to Rego Park in Queens, NY when she was very small. Her younger sister joined the family a few years later.
During her childhood, Queens was not very built up and children had plenty of places to roam. Catherine reminisced about the fields near her home on Weatherole Street and the many children in the neighborhood. She spoke about how the ice man and his team of horses delivered ice to the homes in the neighborhood.
Growing up during the great Depression was difficult for the family. Like most others, money was tight, and everyone learned to make do with what they had. Catherine’s grandparents had a farm near Albany, and she was a regular visitor with her mother and sister. The girls picked berries and scavenged eggs from the chicken coop. Sometimes, they rode with their grandfather in the wagon pulled by the horses Dick and Dolly to sell produce at the market in Albany. Produce from the farm was a welcome supplement to the family’s food budget.
Catherine’s father passed away while she was a young teenager. Her babysitting money went to help with family expenses. As a result, she was always very serious and careful with her finances.
High school at the all-girls Julia Richman School in Manhattan, New York City opened Catherine’s eyes to some of the finer things in life. She often spoke about the classes the girls were given in proper behavior and hygiene. She learned to sew and studied home economics as well as completing the business course to qualify for secretarial work. After graduating from high school Catherine went to work in the City. She worked in several offices throughout World War II.
During WWII, she met Lewis White at a Catholic canteen. Her kids would later express fake horror that she met dad in a bar! Lewis was in the Navy, stationed at the time at the VA hospital of St. Albans in the Bronx. A romance blossomed, and when Lewis shipped out to the Pacific they remained in touch with letters.
Catherine and Lewis married in Rego Park after the war. For a number of years, they shared a two-family house with Catherine’s mother and sister. After the arrival of their two daughters, Diane & Judy, the couple purchased a home in Bergenfield, New Jersey in 1958. A son, Paul, arrived soon thereafter. They remained in that home until 2018.
Like many women of her generation, Catherine did not work outside the home while raising her children. She was completely devoted to the family, and truly spared no effort in caring for them. She always had a hot meal on the table, and as a testament to her sweet tooth, always had dessert. She sewed clothing for herself and the children, especially adorable dresses for the girls. An excellent crafter, she made decorations for all sorts of events, not to mention crafts for the Girl Scout Troops she co-led. She crocheted, and many of her blanket creations are still used to snuggle on cold winter nights.
Catherine continued to develop her culinary skills with classes at the Adult School. She learned Chinese cooking, as well as other cuisines, treating the family to many delicious meals. She loved social engagements. She was renowned in the neighborhood for her Christmas Eve celebrations, where many dozens of friends and neighbors were fed an endless spread of hors d’oeuvres all evening. Her baking skills were incredible, and she made many mouthwatering different cakes and cookies. Her recipe book is treasured by all who are so fortunate to have a copy.
As the children grew, Catherine returned to the paid work force. She worked in a number of companies before settling long-term at the Thomas J. Lipton Company, part of Unilever. As an executive assistant, Catherine worked with the finance teams. It was demanding work, but as a perfectionist she was well suited to the role. She formed strong friendships with her colleagues at Lipton. Even after retirement, they reunited regularly for lunches and dinners.
Once Catherine and Lewis had no more children at home, they began to travel. Each year they would take a trip to an interesting or exotic destination. Among their adventures, they were able to hike on a glacier, white water raft, walk along the Great Wall of China, ride camels in the desert, wander the souks of Marrakesh in Morocco, and see the many sights of Europe. What an incredible time they had!
When Lewis needed care in his old age, Catherine rose to the occasion. She slept on the sofa to be near him during the night. She never complained about her life, taking hardships in stride. This resilience must come from her Depression Era roots, where survival was the only option.
By the time Lewis passed away, Catherine herself needed more support and she moved in with Diane & Tom. She enjoyed having more activity in the house, with her other children and grandchildren coming to visit. Always one to enjoy a social occasion, she loved gatherings at their house. She enjoyed trips for the little luxuries of life: a pedicure, lunch at a restaurant or having her hair done.
Eventually, Catherine required more care than was possible at home and she moved to Brighton Gardens in Florham Park. We are grateful to the staff there for their loving care and support.
Catherine was predeceased by her husband, Lewis White, and granddaughter, Susan Driscoll. She is survived by children Diane & Tom Driscoll, Judy & Alan Kape, Paul LeBlanc & Marina Phili. She is survived by grandchildren Brandon & Christina Kape and their children Hunter & Sienna as well as Michael Driscoll & Jyothirmie Chintalapati and their son Atharv.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to a charity of your choice.
