Frances Mary White

IN MEMORY OF: FRANCES MARY WHITE Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive (Old Route 13), Murphysboro, Illinois Frances Mary White, age 97 of Carbondale, passed away peacefully Friday, October 20, 2023 in Prairie Living at Chautauqua. She was born April 11, 1926 in Green Farms, CT to Frank and Eva (Machno) Ortowski, immigrants from Poland and Austria respectively who entered through Ellis Island. Following graduation from Staples High School in Westport, CT, Frances worked within the industry that provided parts to the Transatlantic Cable. She enlisted in the United States Navy in 1948. Following her station in San Diego, CA, in addition to her regular duties, she volunteered to serve on the USO Shows Celebrity Performer Guest Relations Committee and typed radio scripts for such visiting celebrities as Esther Williams, Edgar Bergen, Jack Benny, and Danny Kaye. She also served on the Welcoming Committee for Aircraft Carriers returning from Korea. She proudly served her country in the United States Navy for seven years. On February 11, 1952, Frances earned ratings of (1) Petty Officer First Class & Chief; and (2) Personnel Men First Class. Frances met Donald J. White while both served active duty, and were married at St. George Catholic Church in Ontario, CA on Sept. 14, 1952. They raised five children. Upon his retirement from the military, Donald brought his family to Southern Illinois, his childhood home. Donald got a job at Southern Illinois University Carbondale as Food Production Manager based in Grinell Hall. The family began Frandon Farm which specialized in self-pick strawberries & other small fruits. Following the death of Donald in 1982, Frances continued the farm with her son David until the business was dissolved in 1986. She continued related service activities. She was an active member of the Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Department including time served as District Director. Over the years Frances, a devout Catholic, provided service in every parish wherein she resided. In Murphysboro, IL she was an involved and dedicated member of the St. Andrew Catholic Church. She served in many capacities. She was a member of the Altar Society, the Parish Council, and was an inspiration to the church membership. Through the years in her spare time she enjoyed needlepoint and scrapbooking. She was also an expert calligrapher. She was particularly fond of the Peanuts and Family Circle comics...and rich dark chocolate. Frances is survived by her children, Richard (LeeAnn nee Lane) White of Murphysboro; Donna (Patrick) McCann of Carbondale; Mary White (Mike Mulford) of Marion; David White (Timothy Tully) of Makanda; and Michael (Liz Hirth) White of New Jersey. She is also survived by grandchildren, Patricia McCann; Carol (Imad) Samarah; Marie (Brent) Jamison; Brigid (Hank) Halvis; Michael McCann; Jared (Jessica nee Herring) White; and Ashley (Chris) Doody; 6 great-grandchildren, including Ashton & Payton Doody and Aria & Abel White; other relatives and a host of friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband and 4 brothers: Edward, Joseph, & John Ortowski; & George Bysh. Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 10:30 am in St. Andrews Catholic Church with Father Robert Flannery officiating. Interment will follow in St. Andrews Cemetery. Full Military honors will be accorded. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, expressions of love may be directed to the EWTN Catholic Channel and will be accepted at the services. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Frances Mary White

April 11, 1926 - October 20, 2023