Mary E. Starkweather-White

1951 ~ 2019

Mary E. Starkweather-White passed away, all too suddenly, July 9, 2019. Her life, her enthusiasm touched so many in some many disparate, yet related ways. She loved travel, reading and doing archaeology and ancient history, museums of all sorts ~ especially natural history museums. She drew and painted wonderful portraits and was a great Scrabble player! She was the consummate recorder and often a significant force behind many successful group projects and endeavors.

Mary truly “Let her life speak.” Her uplifting smiles and encouraging ways will be sorely missed ~ for a while! Yet her memory and legacy are and continue to be carried out through the many activities, numerous groups and organizations that have benefitted from her initiatives and due diligence! Chief among them are, of course, Delaware Pacem in Terris ~ its various working committees and projects, Religious Society of Friends ~ faithful and tireless member and social activist, Quaker Hill Historic Preservation Society ~ including several years as salaried Executive Director, and energetic promoter for all Underground Railroad activities and programs. One way she succeeded in connecting these projects was under the rubric of Restorative Justice Initiatives, Pardons Project, Moving Forward and New Beginnings/New Step, putting theory and faith in human goodness and kindness into practice!

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Howard W. Starkweather, Jr. and Elizabeth M. (Focardi) Starkweather, her beloved aunt, Mary N. (Starkweather) Cramer and her likewise beloved uncle, Arthur Cramer, and father-in-law, James White, for whom she developed abiding affection.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her dear husband of 31 years, Earl M. White; brother, Joseph H. Starkweather wife Melissa) and their daughter, Katie (Starkweather) Staderman (Eric), all of Cincinnati, Ohio and son, Evan Starkweather of Chicago, Illinois; sister, Cathy Starkweather (husband Dan) of Durham, North Carolina; in-laws, Ronald B. White, MD, Andrea Stern, MD, three daughters, Ashley (husband Jon and son Julian), Sarah and Camille; Elaine F. White, PhD (spouse Ellen); Cramer cousins Robert and his wife, Brian (Collette) and children, Carolyn (Patrick) and children, Elizabeth and son and a host of friends far and near!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mary Starkweather-White Legacy Fund, designate for Moving Forward Initiative, for Baylor Peace Art Project or through discretion of the fund through the Delaware Pacem in Terris website: depaceminterris.org)