Obituary of Jane A. White

On September 6, 2023, Jane Ann White died peacefully after a long battle with dementia and pain.  She was 88 years old.  Jane was born Jane O’Brien in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan the youngest of a big, loving Irish-Catholic family. She attended catholic schools, and after a brief stint as a model, went to business school and worked as a secretary.  On a job interview with James T. White and Company, she met the company’s young CEO, Bill White.  Eventually the two fell in love and were married, and Jane became the stepmother of Bill’s two young daughters, Linda and Jody.  Not long after, Tracy was born, and later the girls’ brother Jim.  Jane spent their childhood years as devoted wife, mother and stepmother.  

She was beloved everywhere she went.  Her signature blend of warmth, kindness, and sharp Irish wit were bestowed upon everyone she met.

In the early 60’s Jane and Bill moved to Millburn/Short Hills and raised their family in a house in the Glenwood section, where Bill still resides.  They were surrounded by wonderful neighbors and made many life-long friends along the way.  Some of their happiest memories were spent as members of the Racquets Club and summer vacations on Cape Cod.  

As the children grew older, Jane went back to work as an administrator for Burgdorff Realtors for whom she worked for over 20 years, making many great friends along the way.  Later, Jane began working part-time at Saint Rose of Lima Church and stayed there for many wonderful years, working side-by-side with Tracy.  As in her years at Burgdorff, Jane was an affable presence who made everyone she encountered feel welcome.   She could always be counted on to provide a sympathetic ear, a comforting embrace, and spirit of mischief and fun!  Her most cherished roles, however, were as a mother and later grandmother to Kevin, Jane, Teresa and Henry.

Jane was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Alma O'Brien, her siblings Alma, Henry, Peggy, John, Ernie and Alice, as well as several nieces and nephews.  She is survived by her husband Bill of 63 years, her children/stepchildren and their families, and many nieces and nephews who, according to Jane, all looked just like her!