Phyllis A. White

Phyllis A. White, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, died at home in Ludlow, Massachusetts, on August 30, 2025, at the age of 78. Born in Paterson, New Jersey she was the daughter of Herman and Dorothy (Streelman) Hoffman, both of whom predeceased her. 

She is survived by her husband, Attorney Joseph R. White, with whom she shared 40 wonderful years of marriage and her daughter, Susan Murphy and her husband Daniel of Belchertown, her two stepchildren Elizabeth L. Chouinard and her husband Robert of South Hadley, MA, and Peter White of New Hampshire. She was predeceased by her brother Glenn Hoffman but is survived by his wife Donna Maurice-Hoffman of Ludlow. She embraced her role as Mimi, a loving grandmother to eight cherished grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and pride. 

She was raised in New Jersey and then lived in Belchertown for 47 yeas until recently moving to Ludlow in 2004. Phyllis's educational journey culminated in a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Her career was marked by significant achievements, including her role as Programs Director at the Franklin/Hampshire Career Center in Northampton, from which she retired in 2016 after 16 fulfilling years. Her earlier work as the Assistant Ombudsman at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst was notable as well. Phyllis was an active participant in her community, serving on the Town of Belchertown Finance Committee from 1976 to 1982 and as Vice Chair and Chairman of the School Committee from 1987 to 1993. She was also a proud member of the Order of Eastern Star Belchertown/Amherst Chapter.

Beyond her professional and civic engagements, Phyllis found joy in gardening, baking, and exploring tag sales, hobbies that reflected her nurturing spirit and creativity. 

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during calling hours on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 2:00PM-5:00PM at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Monday at 12:15PM, followed by burial at 2:00pm at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Phyllis's memory to the Belchertown Senior Center for the Grief Support Program.