Joanne B. White

Joanne (Buxton) White, 79, passed away February 24 , 2016 surrounded by her family. She suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease for many years. Born February 7, 1937 in Burlington, VT she was the daughter of the late Franklin and Paulita Buxton. An only child, she spent her young life in Burlington, VT where she graduated from Burlington High School in 1955. In 1958 she graduated from Johns Hopkins School of X-ray Technology. It was in Baltimore that she met the love of her life and her husband of 47 years, Kenneth H. White Jr., MD who predeceased her in 2005. She and Ken relocated to Hartford in 1960 where they raised their family including many dogs and pets. She was a loving and funny mother who was devoted to her family and friends. She was active in the St Francis Hospital Auxiliary for over 40 years. An avid sports fan, she enjoyed playing tennis and cheering for the UCONN girls’ basketball team. Once Jennifer started playing hockey, Joanne spent the following fourteen years in electric socks and blue moon boots at ice rinks all over New England, served on the board of the WH Youth Hockey League and organized team functions. She set a new standard for “hockey mom.” Above all she was the heart of family gatherings, creating the most memorable holidays and celebrations with her hand made crafts, decorations and elaborate meals. Her joyous spirit, wicked sense of humor and the warmth with which she welcomed one and all into her home will be greatly missed. She is survived by her four children: Kenneth H. White III (Marcelle) of Wilton, NH; Kelly W. Pesek (Steve) of Weston, MA; Karen W. Hadley (Jeff) of Whitehouse Station, NJ; and Jennifer W. Pennoyer MD (Bill) of West Hartford, CT. She also leaves her 9 grandchildren whom she adored: Tyler, Emily and Tim Pesek; Jon, Max and Samantha Hadley; and Sophie, Nina and Grant Pennoyer. The family would like to express special heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Seabury facilities for their wonderful care. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 29th at 10 am at the First Church of Christ Congregational Church, 12 South Main Street, West Hartford. Burial will be private. Friends and family may call on Sunday February 28th from 4-7 pm at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601, www.alz.org. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com

Joanne B. White

February 7, 1937 - February 24, 2016