Edythe Jane White Waterhouse

Known across nearly 11 decades as Edythe, Jane, Nana, and Great Nana, our beloved matriarch has now moved to a place of our memories after having lived an exemplary and wonderful 106 years. Born on February 7, 1920, to Jane Screen White and Edwin H. White, Jane was an older sister to her brother Ed “Corky” White. To list all the friends and relatives she shared her life with would be a true challenge. Jane enjoyed her diligent research into her ancestry, discovering many interesting stories and connections along the way, including finding out more about her Mayflower heritage. Jane lived all across Connecticut and New York City and graduated from Northfield Mount Herman prior to settling in Massachusetts. She married Willard Stanley Waterhouse in 1939, and they had three children, Willard, Lorna, and Bonnie. Jane was widowed at a very young age and showed tremendous courage and determination raising her three children as a single mother while returning to college and graduating from Clark University.

Jane was a sixth-grade teacher at Rice School in Holden and received her master’s degree from Worcester State College, leading to a career change to become a librarian in Holden schools for many years. Jane supported many children in their pursuit of knowledge and inspired them with her love of books.

Jane's green thumb was appreciated each year as the flowers she planted at her long-time home in Princeton spread with beautiful color and the food she grew was shared with those she loved. Those lucky enough to enjoy her fresh Rhubarb pie, of course with ice cream, will never forget it. Jane shared her deep love of nature, history, and wonderful stories of her travels throughout the world with grace, sincerity, and fondness. Jane had a personal strength and a quiet, firm dignity that few possess. She inspired tremendous loyalty and love from generations of family members. Healthy living allowed her to witness, enjoy, and have a genuine relationship with her adult great-grandchildren. Defying expectations to the end, she passed away in the presence of her wonderful caregiver April Breitenfeld after sundown on the solstice, fittingly the longest day of the year. She will be dearly missed.

Funeral services are private.