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JoAnne White Obituary
She was born on Jan. 15, 1941, in New London, daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (McGinnis) Watterson.
She was president of the first graduating class of St. Bernard High School, New London and graduated from Bentley College with a degree in accounting. JoAnne spent over 40 years in the financial services industry retiring from Essex Financial Services in 2012. She helped numerous families plan for their futures and was particularly proud to see when her guidance helped with the education of a client's family member. Later in life, she split time between Old Lyme and her very special winter home in Sarasota, Fla. She was usually the first person on the beach and the last one to leave.
She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph (Jeff) Watterson of Waterford.
She leaves two sons and their families, Peter and Kristina (James) White of Lyme and Jason and Mo (McGarry) White of Stonington; and three grandsons, Nicholas, TJ and Devin. She also leaves behind two nieces, Deborah Watterson Lyon and Kerry Vacca.
She will be remembered as a loving mother, doting grandmother, who was fiercely independent, with a quick wit and perennial tan.
A private burial will take place in Sarasota, Fla. and a celebration of her life will be held this summer in Old Lyme.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JoAnne White
Cherrie (Altman) St Germain
June 29, 2019
Although I have no idea if anyone reads these posts years later, I wa especially fond of JoAnne when I worked with her in Old Lyme, CT for a very short time in 1986-1987. She wrote me the most amazing letter of recommendation when I moved to San Diego. I have the original copy of that letter still. JoAnne had the most amazing sense of humor and an infectious smile.
Peter & Kim Newbury
April 16, 2016
Jason & Peter
So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing
My wife & I were previous owners at The Lido Ambassador , #709. We enjoyed her wit & honesty.
She was a true friend
Respectfully ,
Peter & Kim Newbury
Andrew Cartwright
April 10, 2016
Hi. We holidayed at the Lido Ambassador in Sarasota for many years. Joanne was always warm and welcoming, sharing stories about her life and family with us whilst enjoying the sunshine. She will be fondly remembered by us. Please accept our deepest sympathies. From Keith, Julia, Andrew, Carol, Adam and Toby Cartwright, previously of apartment 408, Lido Ambassador.
April 10, 2016
Hi. We holidayed in Sarasota at the Lido Ambassador for many years. Joanne was always part of our holiday. Always welcoming and sharing stories about her life and her family whilst enjoying the sunshine. She will be fondly remembered by all of the Cartwright family, previously of apartment 408 in the Lido Ambassador. Please accept our deepest sympathies. We send all our love from Keith, Julia, Andrew, Carol, Adam and Toby Cartwright, Manchester England. xxx
Rita Lavertue
March 31, 2016
So very sorry for your loss. JO was a great friend and lady. Love to all her family !!!!!
March 29, 2016
Dear Jason and Peter, your Mom was a special lady. Do you remember all of us spending every sunny day at White Sands Beach. She had the best tan in town. with sympathy, Elaine Owen
Lisette Marks
March 29, 2016
How lucky I am to have known Joanne for the last 12 years. I'm am thankful for her friendship, and I will always remember her sitting at the corner table by the pool and having nice conversations. My heart is broken but filed with nice memories. Thank you for letting Brian, Melissa and I in your life. Jo, you will be missed.
With my deepest sympathies,
Lisette Marks
March 28, 2016
JoAnne was a good friend and we had many conversations at the condo. I am glad I was able to spend some quality time with her on the evening of the 16th. She always asked how Lisette and Melissa were doing with genuine concern for my family. I will miss teasing her down at the beach.
Brian, Lisette and Melissa Marks
March 28, 2016
we had the pleasure of knowing Joann for only the short time we lived on Hefflon and enjoyed her company very much....she will be missed.
Jack LaRocca and Rebecca Peperni
Edward D Fiske Sr.
March 28, 2016
To the White Family,
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Joanne. She was a neighbor of ours within Hefflon Farm and spent some time on our homeowners association board. She was very passionate about making our neighborhood a special place to live.
She will be missed.
With my deepest sympathies,
Edward D. Fiske Sr.
Barbara Harvey
March 28, 2016
Jason & Peter and Families:
We loved her and her wit and will certainly
miss her. Our prayers are with you.
Barbara & Woody
Jeff Montanaro
March 27, 2016
Peter - so sorry to hear of your mom's passing, a really nice lady.
Jody Sheeley
March 26, 2016
Jason, my deepest sympathies to you and your family my friend. Jody Sheeley Preston, Ct
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