Margaret White

Margaret Sarah White, 92, a beloved mother, grandmother and cherished friend, peacefully passed away on July 9th 2025, in San Jose, California.

Born in Addlestone England on June 18th 1933. As a child she grew up in a 2 story, 2-bedroom house with her parents James and Rose Gotto, sister Pat and a dog. She spoke fondly of the park down the street, catching the train a few blocks away and being able to pick loganberries from her garden. Mum also shared the tough times like during WWII. There was the darkening of the windows, carrying a gas mask and food rations. She was grateful for that garden.

Not surprising to anyone who knew her, mum was a social person. She was invited to a local church youth group that had many activities including ballroom dancing. She would go to many dances with her sister and friends. One night she went alone. “Finally, you’re alone” a young man said and asked her to dance. She married that man and danced the rest of her life with him.

In the 1950’s they packed up and moved to California. They bought the San Jose “White House” in 1968 & dad worked at IBM. They won a dance contest in New Almaden. Mum did daycare at home and worked at Emporium. Her last paid job was at McDonalds. Every night at the dinner table she would share the adventures she had that day. Through her working there, the family went on vacations including a trips to England to see relatives & friends.

Durning retirement, she helped take care of several people. She took care of her grandson Shane as a toddler & had him stay during his college years to attend San Jose State University. She allowed two of Varyl’s friends to stay while recovering from medical procedures. Mum always made sure that Varyl had enough money for food, gas and medical.

Mum enjoyed many things. She liked KitKat Chocolates and named 2 of her cats Kitkat. She loved Varyl’s dog Sunny, who she called her grandson. He curled up with her on her last days. She also loved her “Nice Drink” Gin and Tonic, twist of Lemon, no Lime. She had one every night. She often sat out in the front her house with her drink and chatted with family, friends & neighbors. I’m sure she is toasting us all now.

Mum loved to go places. Many weekends away with dad. Trips to San Jose Family Camp. Visits to see Melody, Scott, Shane and Kendra in the woods. Mitch and Shirin’s Wedding in England and Kendra and Anthony’s wedding in Vegas. Many lunches with Varyl, John, Liah and Sunny at Lazy Dog Café after church. And every event at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Her last adventure was just 3 weeks before her death. She celebrated in style at Shadowbrook for dinner and spent the day together in Santa Cruz with Melody, Scott, Varyl, John and Liah.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Melody Morrison and Varyl White and her devoted grandchildren Shane Morrison and Kendra Morrison-Flores. Margaret is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband John White, her sister Pat Hunt, her parents James and Rose Gotto.