Penola “Penny” White, 89
Obituary Reports the death of an individual, providing an account of the person’s life including their achievements, any controversies in which they were involved, and reminiscences by people who knew them.
On April 24, 2024, God dispatched his Angels to escort Penola Nelson White from earth to her heavenly home. She was 89.
She was born August 25, 1934 in Ossining, to Henry Nelson and Suluter Bunch Nelson. She was educated in the Ossining School District and graduated from Ossining High School in 1952. After graduation, she attended modeling school in New York City and enjoyed a stint in the fashion world. Throughout her life, she was known for her flair for fashion and elegance, a true stylish “Fashionista!”
On August 20, 1955, she married Clark Gilbert White at St. Ann’s Church in Ossining. The family settled in Peekskill and from this union had four children, Clark Jr, Kenneth, Tanya and Darla. Her husband predeceased her in 1995, after 40 years of marriage.
Penola was a true people person who loved interacting with people from all walks of life. She was affectionately known as “Penny” in the community while working at the Salvation Army in Peekskill, and to those she met at her job at Twice Upon A Time, a consignment shop in Ossining and later in Croton-on-Hudson. Because of her love of antiques and art, she was employed at an antique shop. In addition, she volunteered for many years at the Peekskill Paramount Theatre. Penola was known for her loving spirit, vibrant personality and generosity, as well as for her beautiful attire, jewelry, accessories, and scarves.
Penny enjoyed cooking and made the best sweet potato pies, always making extras to share with others. She loved music and dancing at family gatherings, weddings and other venues. She loved going with her family and friends to New York City’s museums, art and Broadway shows and concerts. She especially enjoyed the lights and excitement of the Christmas holiday season and dining in NYC restaurants! Traveling and visiting family and friends around the country was also one of her pleasures.
Penola’s family was her life and she enjoyed spending time with them, especially celebrating birthdays and holidays with her children and grandchildren. A doting and adoring mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she cherished every moment she could spend with them.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Gilbert, and her sister, Gloria Wilkins.
Penola’s memory will be cherished by her loving and devoted children; sons, Clark White, Jr., Kenneth White (Alejandra), daughters, Tanya White Pagan and Darla White Mason; ten loving grandchildren, Branden and Cameron White; Damon and Kenneth White Jr., and Amanda and Gabrielle Male; Michael Pagan; Dana Jr., Tyler and Shane Mason. She also leaves five great- grandchildren, Savanah, Anthony, Aidan, Miliani and Dylan; a devoted brother, Earl Henry “Teetot” Nelson; Leesther Brown; many nieces and nephews; a devoted cousin, Yvonne Bert; best friend and soul sister, Betty Amory; and many friends she made throughout her life’s journey.
A service of Celebration of the Life of Penola White was held May 3 at Nardone Funeral Home in Peekskill, with the Rev. Don Foster officiating. Interment followed at Hillside Cemetery in Cortlandt.
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