Alma V. White

Portsmouth, RI ? Alma V. Pargen White, age 80, of 51 Ann Avenue, Portsmouth, passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2007, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Lawrence ?Bud? White. Born in Fall River, MA, she was the daughter of the late Thomas J. Pargen and the late Alma V. Lasonde Pargen.Alma was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Fall River, MA, the Immaculata Junior College in Washington, DC, and Marymount College in New York. She was an active member of the Democratic Women?s Club. For over thirty years Alma devoted herself to the Portsmouth Public Schools, first as a lunch lady and teacher?s aide and later as a clerk at Hathaway School. Alma was once described as a ?walking encyclopedia of Portsmouth knowledge.? Every student loved Mrs. White. She was like an adoptive grandmother to all who knew her. On November, 6, 2000, the children of Hathaway School honored Mrs. White by dedicating a garden in her name. Teachers called her ?The Heartbeat of Hathaway School.? In 2005, Alma received the Friend of Education Award from the Portsmouth School Department for her tireless devotion to the students.She is survived by her son, Bruce T. White of Portsmouth, and two daughters, Cindy A. White of Portsmouth, and Nancy Hubeck of Boston.Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, at 9:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am, in St. Anthony?s Church, 2836 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will follow in the Portsmouth Cemetery on Turnpike Avenue. Friends and family are welcome. Calling hours will be held, Tuesday, July 10, 2007, from 4-8pm in the funeral home.Donations in her name may be made to the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties, 1184 east Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871, or the Hudner Oncology Center, c/o St. Anne?s Hospital, 795 Middle Street, Fall River, MA 02721.