WESTFIELD – Dorene A. (Sharples) White, 83, (1941-2024) of Westfield, MA, passed away peacefully on December 24th, 2024, at Baystate Noble Hospital. Dorene was born in Westfield, MA, to the late Everett Sharples and Kathryn (Rogers) Welch. She grew up in Westfield, raised by her mother Kathryn and stepfather James T. Welch.
She was a proud graduate of Westfield High School (1958) and dedicated much of her life to caring for others. A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for many years, Dorene worked at Providence Hospital in Holyoke and later at Northside Urgent Care. She also shared her love of music and faith by serving as the youth choir director at Central Baptist Church in Westfield during the 1970s. She enjoyed traveling, especially cruises with her beloved husband, Philip, and was an avid New England Patriots fan. She loved spending time with family and friends, whether on casino trips, playing cards, or enjoying movies together. Dorene’s humor and spirited personality left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Philip D. White, in 2022, their son Alan D. White in 2020, and great-grandson Nathaniel in 2014.
Dorene is survived by her loving son, Stephen F. White and his wife, Julie of Westfield; her three sisters, Mary Fisher, Teresa Rowe, and Ruth Welch-Bloking; and her seven treasured grandchildren: Darrell White, Heather Gladwin, Heidi White and her husband Paul Spanagel, Kara White, Kyle White and his wife Melony, Matthew White, and Ethan White. She is also survived by her five great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Norah, Nicholas, Brayden, and Ava, all of whom brought her much joy.
A Funeral Home Service will be held on Saturday, January 18th, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. Visiting hours will precede the service from 1:00–3:00 p.m. Burial will take place in the spring at Pine Hill Cemetery, Westfield. Donations in Dorene’s name may be directed to the American Legion Post 124, 38 Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085 or to Shriners Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. www.firtionadams.com
