Celia "Simi" White

White, Celia 'Simi'
Loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, died peacefully at home, in the arms of her family, early Tuesday morning, August 5, 2003. Wife for 55 years, of the late character and comedian, Jesse White, (the original Maytag repairman on TV) Simi, was an active participant in the lives of her children, and grandchildren. She was born in New York City, one of eight sisters, fondly known as the Cohn girls. She was an avid reader and intellect, who graduated high school at 15. She dreamt of going on the stage and was an accomplished dancer. She met Jesse in an acting workshop, and married him in 1942. She put her own dreams of a show business career on the shelf and was his rock and devoted partner for the rest of his life. She loved to give parties, she loved to travel, but she loved to play cards. She was a regular pan player at the Commerce Casino, and the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. Her best friend in the world was her sister, the late Johanna 'Honey' Kahn. The two went everywhere together. Simi loved life, had the biggest heart in the world. We will miss her million-dollar smile, her bright blue eyes, and her endless wisdom and love. She is survived by her daughters, Janet White Jonas and Carole Ita White, son-in-law, Tony Jonas, grandchildren Michele, Annie, and David Jonas, and her dear sister Ruth.