FALL RIVER — Ellen (Holmes) White, age 86 years, of South Dartmouth, died Tuesday, February 26, 2013, at Charlton Memorial Hospital, after a short illness, and surrounded by loving family.
Formerly of Lexington, Ma., she is the devoted wife of Donald B. White Sr., loving mother of Nina S. White Willever and her husband Kent of Portsmouth, R.I., Melissa Parker White Ellis and her husband Bradford of South Dartmouth, Maria S. White Husted and her husband Benjamin of Plymouth, Ma., Lisabeth Mason White of North Dartmouth, Donald B. White Jr. and his wife Jennifer of South Dartmouth, Charles Parker White and his wife Heather Andrea Warrington White of South Dartmouth.
Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late C. Parker and Ellen Holmes of Greenville, N.C. and South Dartmouth, she grew up immersed in literature in Belmont and South Dartmouth and was a graduate of Beaver Country Day School and Westhill College. Prior to her marriage, she worked in advertising. She was an active and longtime volunteer at the Florence Crittenton Home in Brighton, Ma., Rosie's Place and several other charities and a longtime Girl Scout and leader. In addition she was an avid moderate Republican with an open mind who for years was active in grass root politics.
Ellen was a longtime member of The Church of our Redeemer in Lexington and Grace Episcopal Church in New Bedford. Throughout her life, she had the most wonderful view in the world.
In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by seven grandchildren, nieces and nephews, her brother, Michael D. Holmes Sr. of Salter's Point, South Dartmouth and Boca Grande, Fl. and sisters-in-law, Florence White and Marcia White. In addition she was the sister of the late Nancy Holmes Winter formerly of Greenville, N.C. with her heart always in Bay View.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Lymphoma and Leukemia Association, Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue or a charity of your choice.
Her memorial service will take place on Saturday, March 2nd at 11 A.M. in Grace Episcopal Church, 422 County St., at the corner of School St., New Bedford. Burial is private with arrangements by the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford.