Janice Elaine White

Janice Elaine White, 85, died at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital on Tuesday, April 13, 2021.

She was born on September 19, 1935, in Lewistown, and was the daughter of Arthur B. and Hazel E. (Wagner) Brisbin.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 64 years, Wilbur ‘Red’ White, whom she married on May 28, 1957; children, William White and wife, Patricia, of Reedsville; Teresa White, of Reedsville; Susan Fox and husband, Alex, of Reedsville; Jeffrey White and wife, Cassie, of Milroy; four grandchildren, Alexis Ertley, Allison Fox, William Fox, and Benjamin White; and two great-grandchildren, Olivia, and Sophia Ertley. Janice was the last of her immediate family.

Janice was a member of the Burnham-Derry class of 1953 and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lycoming College in 1957, where she received the Chieftain Award as the outstanding senior. She also received an associate degree from Elizabethtown College in 1955 and earned additional credits from Penn State University.

She was a member of Holy Communion Luther Church for 65 years and more recently a member of Reedsville Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she served on church council and various committees.

Early in life she was a member and past president of Charity League. She was secretary of Mifflin County Farm Bureau for 10 years and served on the board of Child and Youth Services. As a member of Mifflin County Historical Society, her love of history and fashion of by-gone eras was evident as she furnished the commentary and clothing for many of the society’s fund-raising efforts.

Janice taught Social Studies and English at Chief Logan and Indian Valley High Schools, a career spanning 25 years, retiring in 1993. She was a member of MCRSE and the PSAR.

She was the author of a small book titled, Recollections of a Lucky Girl. She considered herself a lucky girl, having had wonderful parents, great family, and friends, and most of all being an American. She was fiercely loyal to her country and especially appreciative of the sacrifice of “The Greatest Generation.”

Janice, her husband, and children farmed the family farm and restored the 1840’s house on the property. Many stray dogs and cats found a good home there, and Jan always joked that they had a secret ‘stop here’ sign, similar to the Underground Railroad. She raised baby calves and later newborn lambs, many of whom found their way to her kitchen.

A receiving of friends and family will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, April 16, 2021, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Woodlawn, 200 N. Main St., Lewistown, with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m., with Reverend Carla Volland officiating.

Interment will be held at Church Hill Cemetery.

Guests are asked to follow the current CDC guidelines and to wear masks. The family would like to invite guests to Brookmere Winery, Belleville for refreshments and a time of fellowship following the interment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jan’s name may be made to the Reedsville Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 E. Logan St., Reedsville, PA 17084 or to the Mifflin County Historical Society, 1 West Market St., Lewistown, PA 17044.

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