Eris A. White

Middletown, RI - Eris Anderson White, 83, of, Middletown, RI, died unexpectedly at her home on Thursday, January 10, 2008. She originally married Dewayne Brison and then John White whom she took care of until his death in 1986. Eris was born in Newport, RI, on July 19, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Carl A. S. and Ellen Anderson Anderson. She was one of four children raised by her Aunt Hilda after her mother died at an early age. Hilda eventually became the step mother. She was predeceased by all of her siblings.Eris was educated in Newport schools and then went on to graduate from Newport Hospital School of Nursing and later from the University of Rhode Island, School of Nursing. She was one of the first School Nurses in the town of Middletown, working at the elementary and high schools. She retired from the high school in 1986. During her lifetime Eris cared for many residents, particularly the elderly of Newport County. Early in her nursing career she assisted the Middletown Police with searching arrested females. She worked her entire career as a registered nurse. She worked many years at Newport Hospital and as a private duty nurse for numerous Newport residents. She then started a career at Middletown High school as a school nurse and educator. She worked at Middletown High School for 30 years, and also continued to enjoy nursing and assisting many elderly housebound residents. Eris was very active and devoted member of the Calvary United Methodist Church were she was responsible for suggesting the name Calvary for the church. She was one of two of the last members of the old Calvary on Annandale Road in Newport. She worked tirelessly for the church, baking, hosting coffee hours and participating regularly in Sunday services. She was a regular volunteer at the church's Soup Kitchen run by her cousin Andy. She was a member of the Senior Center in Newport, going often to events at the King House and the Middletown Retired Teacher's Association. She was a supporter of the Rose Island Light House Foundation, The Newport Preservation Society, The American Heart Association and numerous local charities and organizations.Eris will be remembered as a fun loving, caring person with many interest and many friends. She spent most of her life taking care of others. She enjoyed gardening and was most proud of her tomatoes. She liked to cook and had a special recipe for zucchini bread. She was an avid bridge player until the time of her death and belonged to a bowling league for many years, she also liked playing bocce. She loved going to the beach and was a member of Gooseberry Beach Club. She loved traveling and went to Europe and the Islands, most recently to the Greek Islands with her niece. At other times she traveled alone, with her husband, or other family members. She is survived by two nieces Dr. Susan Anderson of Woodside California and Sandra Boles of Old Greenwich, Connecticut and her husband William and daughters Kelly and Shannon, two cousins Alfred Anderson and his wife Anna, and Donald Anderson of Newport. She is also survived by many close cousins and friends in Newport and Sweden. She was the sister of the late Herman, Arnold, Carlton, and Helen Anderson.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2008, at 11 a.m. in the Calvary United Methodist Church, Turner and Wyatt Roads, Middletown. Burial will be private and calling hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a local charity or to the American Heart Association, 222 Richmond Street, Suite 108, Providence, RI 02903.