WORCESTER-Dolores C.M. “Dee Dee” (Provencher) White, 78, of Worcester, died Friday, February 6th in UMass Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Her husband of 27 years, Worcester Police Officer George W. White died in 1981. She leaves her son, Stephen G. White of Worcester; two daughters, Denise M. Duff and her husband Michael of Rutland and Kimberly M. White of South Grafton; her sister, Alma L. Lefebvre of Worcester; three beautiful grandchildren Christopher, Jonathan and Erica Duff whom she shared so much time and love with and who brought her so much joy; and many nephews, nieces and friends. Her son, Michael W. White died in 1963 and two brothers, Oscar and Ralph Provencher and three sisters, Marie Butrym, Theresa Lainer and Jean “Jane” Ostaszewski predeceased her.
She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Peter and Alma (St. Germaine) Provencher. Mrs. White was a 1949 graduate of the former High School of Commerce and a 1952 graduate of Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing where she was a member of its alumni board for many years. She was a registered nurse for 54 years at Hahnemann and Memorial Hospitals first in the medical surgical units and retiring four years ago from the maternity ward at Memorial Hospital. Mrs. White was a devout Catholic, a founding member of St. Christopher’s Church, a member of its Womens Guild and volunteered at BINGO. In 2006, Mrs. White was honored by the Worcester Business Journal as a “Healthcare Hero”. Upon her retirement, she enjoyed worldly traveling such as boat cruises to Alaska’s Glacier Bay, the sights of Italy, Spain, France and Scandinavian countries, along with trips to Florida visiting friends. She was an auxiliary member of the American Legion Main South Post 341. Mrs. White enjoyed the beach, reading, knitting, sewing, cooking, ceramics classes and trips to Foxwoods. Please remember her for her beautiful smile, great sense of humor and dedication to her family and friends.
The funeral is Tuesday, February 10th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Christopher’s Church, 950 West Boylston Street. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday, February 9th from 5:00 until 8:00 PM in the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or donations may be made to the UMass Memorial Foundation, c/o Hematology/Oncology, 33 Kendall Street, Worcester, MA 01605.