In Loving Memory of Deborah Elaine White
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Debi White, a beloved mother, wife, friend, and daughter, who left us peacefully while surrounded by her family on August 10th, 2024, at the age of 70 after a brave fight against pancreatic cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
Born in Endicott, New York, on July 31st, 1954, Debi was the cherished daughter of Delores and James Luciani. She is survived by her devoted husband of 41 years, Andrew; her beloved children, Mathew and David; daughter in-law Julia; and her siblings, Jamie, Jim, Jody, and Doug.
Debi was a vibrant and creative spirit with an unwavering passion for life. Whether performing in her band, creating exquisite cross-stitch art that adorns her home, or mastering Solitaire with remarkable speed, she approached everything with enthusiasm and dedication.
Her warmth and affection were the cornerstones of her radiant personality. She met Andrew at SUNY Binghamton, and their relationship—described as the union of an “indoor cat” and an “outdoor dog”—flourished into a loving marriage. Together, they built a life rich with love and respect, raising two children, two cats, and two wonderful Australian Shepherds. Debi was deeply committed to helping others, from teaching literacy to inner-city residents to training their late Aussie, Cooper, as a therapy dog. Debi and Cooper brought comfort and joy to hospitals, hospices, and fundraisers, embodying her spirit of generosity.
In her community, Debi’s impact was significant. She served as PTA president and generously donated toys to the Salvation Army Angel Tree each year. Throughout her life, Debi showed time and time again that she always put others before herself. Her ability to make others feel loved and comforted no matter the circumstances was something to be admired and something that will never be forgotten but will forever be missed.
Debi had a long and successful career, due in large part to her work ethic and refusal to quit. From the University of Rochester to Paychex, to the Apple Grocery Store, her career led her to numerous jobs from the technical to the practical, which she dove into with grace and resilience despite many challenges.
Debi had a remarkable ability to make a lasting impression on everyone she met. Known for her ever-present collection of sweaters to ward off the seemingly impossible ability she had to always be cold, she maintained her colorful wit, loving nature, and propensity for hugs until the end. Her legacy as a caring mother, loving wife, loyal friend, and beautiful soul will live on forever as those who met Debi, never forgot her.
Debi will be interred during a private ceremony at White Haven Memorial Park.
In her Memory, the family requests donations be made to the Rochester Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club Rochester, The Parkinsons Foundation, or the Salvation Army Angel Tree.
Rest in peace, Debi. Your legacy of love, strength, and compassion will be cherished always.
Comments
6 responses to “White, Deborah E.”
This is a beautiful description of Debi. She was a beautiful soul and one of the most nurturing women I have ever known. I have so many beautiful memories of dancing and playing records together. Having her put make up on me. Our kids running around together with laughter and joy. I love you so much Debi. You live inside our hearts always.
Deb was a childhood friend ! Spent many happy times with the Luciana family. We schooled together from kindergarten until high school graduation. Our sincere condolences to the whole family. She now joins her parents Jim & Dee who also became good friends of ours. We remember when Deb was in a singer in a band. We enjoyed listening to her sing with them and dancing to their music. Have missed the family since they moved out of the area. We do cherish the memories we shared with them. Can’t believe your gone Deb. I would say rest in peace but I know God has great plans for you. You were and are special. Your old friends Phil & Kathie Bidwell.
Oh what a giver Debbie was. She volunteered for everything dealing with her kids. We have fond memories of our soccer days with Andy and Deb. Debbie religiously walked the neighborhood to keep up her fight.
Our thoughts and prayers White family.
You have an angel watching over you now.
Oh sweet Aunt Debi. I have never been at Hoel pond and not thought of you and all of the special time we spent there. And in all of my 40 years- you haven’t missed a single birthday. And you have sent sweet messages throughout Everett’s life and I know you have always been cheering me on. I will miss you very much and everytime I see a Richard Scarry book I will thing of you. Love, Jo
My big sis was all that best heart could ever want to be. We were years apart in age, but she was always there for me. I remember all the times we spent together when I was young. She made time for me whenever she could and made me feel special. The world is much smaller without Debi. Love You
Bringing back memories of High School, Sunday School, Girl Scouts. We lost touch after High School. I don’t recall any of the reunions she attended. It sounds like she went on to be a very wonderful and loving adult. Condolences to Deb’s family.