February 4, 1936 – January 21, 2025
Deirdre Sally White, affectionately known as Dee, Nana, and Grandma, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the age of 88. She was welcomed home to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and kindness that touched countless lives.
Born in Liverpool, England, on February 4, 1936, Deirdre was adopted and lovingly raised by the late Douglas Archibald Brown and June Kathleen Brown. She grew up in Crosby, Southport, Clanfield, Liverpool, and London, attending boarding school before graduating from a nursing program at Oxford. Her formative years during World War II shaped her resilient spirit, and she often spoke of her admiration for Winston Churchill, whose words she quoted during times of hardship.
Deirdre’s life was a testament to strength and determination. She met and married Breton Rayfield White, an American soldier stationed in England during the war. Together, they had five children. At just 26 years old, Deirdre found herself raising her children alone in the United States, primarily in San Pedro and Lomita, California. Despite the challenges, she worked tirelessly, balancing full-time work, volunteerism, and her education. She earned her master’s degree in English literature and worked as a nurse, pathology secretary, legal secretary, and pathology transcriber.
Deirdre was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her eldest daughter, Laura Constance White-Spears, and is survived by her sons Lowell Douglas White (Cherie), Mark Steven White, and Kenneth Lloyd White; her daughter Kathleen Louise Casaletta (Robert); 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
A woman of many passions, Deirdre loved learning, reading, knitting, and volunteering. In San Pedro, she taught ESL at a women’s shelter, read to elementary school classes, and worked at a seal and sea bird rescue. After moving to Fairview, Tennessee, in 2009, she quickly became an active member of the community, joining the FCE, Friends of the Library, Meals on Wheels, and the McDonald’s breakfast club. She cherished her game nights with friends and found joy in the simple pleasures of life—hot tea, cozy blankets, and her faithful Teddy, a comforting companion since childhood.
Deirdre had an optimistic attitude, a sharp wit, and a great sense of humor. She adored music, with Willie Nelson being her favorite musician, and enjoyed American Folk, Pop, Classic Country, Country Gospel, and Hippie Radio. Her love for Fairview stemmed from its resemblance to Clanfield, England, a place close to her heart.
Deirdre’s life will be celebrated in two memorials:
• March 18, 2025: Her ashes will be scattered off the coast of California, where they will float their way back to England, symbolizing her enduring connection to her homeland.
• March 29, 2025: A Memorial Tea in Deirdre’s honor will be held from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Fairview Rec Complex Senior Center (2714 Fairview Blvd, Fairview, TN 37062). Family and friends are invited to drop in, share memories, and enjoy tea and fellowship, just as she would have loved.
Deirdre Sally White will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Her legacy of love, resilience, and joy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
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