Mary White

Mary C. White, librarian, editor and opera lover, died on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 in Pinckney, Mich. 

Born in Boston, Mary lived in Callicoon, N.Y. for nearly 50 years and considered it home even after she moved to Michigan to be closer to family.

After moving to Callicoon in 1967, Mary took a job as a librarian at Delaware Valley Central School. For nearly 20 years, she brought the joy of reading to students. Many of the children she read to in elementary school became lifelong friends. 

Mary's career as a librarian was not simply a profession; it was an avenue through which she shared her deep love for books and knowledge. 

Graduating from Boston University and holding a Master's degree in Library Science from State University of New York, Mary was well equipped to inspire young minds with the magic of literature.

After retiring from DVCS, Mary volunteered at the Delaware Free Library in Callicoon, worked as an editor at the Sullivan County Democrat and helped friends edit manuscripts.

She loved books and over her life built a library of hundreds of volumes. Medieval history, Jane Austen, Marcel Proust - you could find them all on her shelves. 

Saturday afternoons were set aside for listening to broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera. Evenings were often spent watching British television dramas. She loved all things English, and one of greatest adventures was traveling to Northern England to help a team of archaeologists digging for Roman artifacts.

In 1977, Mary bought the oldest house in Callicoon and for the next three decades made it her sanctuary. For years she had an antique letter-set printing press in what she called the hen house in the back yard, and would design and print her own Christmas cards.

Summer evenings were spent on the screen porch looking over the garden. In the fall, the pear tree in the side yard bore so much fruit she would give it away to friends and still have too many. In the winter, she would watch birds from her kitchen, warmed by a wood stove.

Strong-willed and determined to live by her rules, Mary fought to keep her independence even as age and ill health moved in to take it away. 

She is survived by her son Joe White, and his wife, Laurie Mayers; grandchildren Annie White and Sam Gbadebo-Mayers, his wife Monisola Gbadebo and their daughter, Yemaya.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home in Plymouth, Mich. No services are planned. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Interfaith Outreach United of Callicoon, the Delaware Free Library, the 52nd Street Project (https://52project.org), the Harriet E. Richards Cooperative House Alumnae Association (https://www.her-house.org/donations) or a hospice organization anywhere to support their efforts to bring dignity to the end of life.