Alice Jennings White

March 7, 1920 - March 10, 2016

Alice Jennings White, Goleta educator, passed away peacefully in her home on March 10th. Alice was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. She was the eldest of six sisters who were a tightly knit clan known affectionately as "The Jennings Girls." In her earliest years, Alice loved school and decided to become a teacher. After graduation from high school at age 15 she began working as a secretary in Manhattan while attending night school. In 1945, she met and fell in love with John E. White, a young sailor who had just returned from the war. They were married and soon moved to rural Eastport, Maine to begin their life together. Despite the dramatic change in her surroundings and lifestyle, Alice embraced her new family and considered the change an adventure. While in Maine, Alice and John began their family. Roger, Bill, and then Allen were born. In 1950, still focused on her dream of teaching, against all odds, Alice entered the University of Maine at Orono. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1953. Later that year she gave birth to their fourth son John. At that point, Mr. White's Navy career took the family overseas to Japan. Alice again embraced the difficult journey with four young sons as an adventure. She enjoyed the Japanese people and culture. While in Japan, Alice enjoyed teaching in the primary grades as a substitute. Also, while in Japan, the family welcomed another member, Thomas. After returning to the US they briefly stayed in Virginia, where Anne was born, then settled in Rhode Island. Alice began teaching first grade full time and as the demands of her family allowed she continued her education towards graduate school. She obtained her Masters of Arts in Speech and Language from the University of Rhode Island in 1969. Shortly after obtaining her degree, Alice accepted a position with the Goleta Union School District and relocated the family to the Santa Barbara area. She was a dedicated speech and reading specialist helping hundreds of children in the Goleta area until her retirement in 1988. She was also a fierce advocate for teachers, volunteering countless hours negotiating for better salaries and conditions. After retirement, Alice continued her service as an elected member of the Goleta School Board for two terms. Alice is pre deceased by her husband, John E. White, and her sons, Roger and William White. She leaves behind, sons Allen, John, and Thomas White, daughter, Dr. Anne White, daughters in law, Liz and Kathy White, grandchildren: Rhonda and Michael White (San Diego) Jack and Corinne White (Goleta), Michael Andrews, (Bath, ME), Zachary White (Arroyo Grande), Russell and Daniel Samler (Goleta), great grandsons, Adam Mendiola and Elias Trevino-White, and a sister, Sr. Vivien Jennings, of Caldwell, New Jersey. Alice's long life consistently reflected her most cherished values, family and education. She will be greatly missed. The family wishes to thank Dr. Gerry Svedlow and his office staff for their generous care over many years as well as Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care for their recent support. There will be viewing and Rosary service at Welch-Ryce- Haider, Goleta location, on Wednesday March 16th, 5:30-7:30. Funeral mass on Thursday March 17th 10 am at St Raphael's Church in Goleta. Burial thereafter at the Goleta Cemetery.