Marilyn Dufrane White

Marilyn Dufrane White, 71, of Massena, NY, passed away on January 24, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Massena, NY, to Lloyd Eugene Dufrane and Mary LaGrave Dufrane, Marilyn dedicated her career to advocating for Native communities through her work with the Native American Rights Fund in Boulder, Colorado.
Marilyn had a gift for bringing joy to those around her. Her quick wit and incredible sense of humor could light up any room. She was a talented quilter whose handmade creations were expressions of love for the people in her life. Those who knew her will remember her beautiful singing voice and her love of classic country music. Above all, she was known for her generosity as a friend, mother, grandmother, and wife. She was a phenomenally strong woman who will be deeply missed.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her son, Ryan Dale White; her parents, Lloyd and Mary Dufrane; and her brothers, Miles Dufrane and Steven Dufrane.
She is survived by Dale White, her loving husband of 49 years, her daughter, Rowen White (Gordon Hellegers) and their children, Maizie and Moss Hellegers; and her grandsons, Oren White and Warren White, and her siblings, Susan Liner, Tracy Dufrane Holmes, Scott Dufrane, Marsha Durfrane Barse, Barbara Sykes, and Glenn Dufrane.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Donaldson Funeral Home in Massena.