Obituary of Penola (Penny) White

On Wednesday morning, April 24, 2024, God dispatched his Angels to escort Penola Nelson White from earth to her heavenly home.  She was 89 years of age. 

Penola was born on August 25, 1934, in Ossining, New York, to Henry Nelson and Suluter Bunch Nelson. She was educated in the Ossining School District and graduated from Ossining High School in 1952.  After graduation, she attended modeling school in New York City and enjoyed a stint in the fashion world.  Throughout her life, she was known for her flair for fashion and elegance, a true stylish “Fashionista!”

On August 20, 1955, she married Clark Gilbert White at St. Ann’s Church in Ossining, New York. The family settled in Peekskill and from this union had four children, Clark Jr, Kenneth, Tanya, and Darla.  Her husband predeceased her in 1995, after 40 years of marriage.

Penola was a true people person who loved interacting with people from all walks of life.  She was affectionately known as “Penny” in the community while working at the Salvation Army in Peekskill, and to those she met at her job at Twice Upon A Time, a consignment shop in Ossining and later in Croton-on-Hudson. Because of her love of antiques and art, she was employed at an antique shop. In addition, she volunteered for many years at the Peekskill Paramount Theatre. Penola was known for her loving spirit, vibrant personality, and generosity.  She was also known for her beautiful attire, jewelry, accessories, and scarves. 

Penny enjoyed cooking and made the best sweet potato pies; always making extras to share with others. She loved music and dancing at family gatherings, weddings, and other venues. She loved going with her family and friends to New York City’s museums, art, and Broadway shows and concerts. She especially enjoyed the lights and excitement of the Christmas holiday season and dining in NYC restaurants! Traveling and visiting family and friends around the country was also one of her pleasures.

Penola’s family was her life and she enjoyed spending time with them, especially celebrating birthdays and holidays with her children and grand. She was a doting and adoring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished every moment she could spend with them.

Penola’s memory will be cherished by her loving and devoted children; sons, Clark White, Jr., and Kenneth White (Alejandra), daughters, Tanya White Pagan and Darla White Mason; ten loving grandchildren, Branden and Cameron White;  Damon and Kenneth White Jr., and Amanda and Gabrielle Male’ Michael Pagan; Dana Jr., Tyler and Shane Mason.  She also leaves five great-grandchildren, Savanah, Anthony, Aidan, Miliani, and Dylan; a devoted brother, Earl Henry “Teetot” Nelson,  Leesther Brown, many nieces and nephews, and a devoted cousin, Yvonne Bert, best friend and soul sister, Betty Amory, and many friends she made throughout her life’s journey.

Visitation will be held at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm 

Chapel Service will be held at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery, 1033 Oregon Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY