Obituary for Mary Genevieve White (Simonet)
Mary S. White passed away peacefully on November 6, 2020. Mary was a vibrant, tireless activist who built communities and friendships throughout her life. Mary was born in Minneapolis in 1933 to Leonard W. Simonet and his wife Genevieve Solon Simonet.
Mary’s father was a long-time partner in the Minneapolis law firm Best & Flanagan. Mary grew up near Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis and attended Basilica of St. Mary Grade School and the Academy of Holy Angels High School. She continued her education at Trinity College in Washington, D.C. and graduated with a BA in English from the University of Minnesota.
In 1955, she married Dr. James G. White, and raised five children. During this period, Mary was an active member of many groups, including Junior League and the Woman’s Institute for Social Change. In 1978, Mary received a master’s degree in the field of social work from the University of Minnesota, and began working in the Social Work Department at the University of Minnesota. As part of her duties, she worked to ensure that social workers and therapists would be licensed by the state, eventually helping achieve the passage of this important legislation. Mary also helped to improve the lives of those with mental illness by working with NAMI and People Incorporated.
In addition to being a social worker, Mary was a dedicated peace activist who was one of the founding members of Women Against Military Madness (WAMM). As part of her commitment, Mary was arrested many times protesting for peace. Mary was also a founding member of Women Against All Violence (WAAV) and worked to create small communities of peace activists and build public awareness of the many private and public threats to women’s health and safety. Later, Mary was elected and served as president of the Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers. Family and friends consider Mary a visionary and inspiration in the peace and justice community.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James G. White, and two sons, Gregory and Michael. Mary is survived by her sister, Judith (Walter) Rich, her brother, Tom (Graham McKinley); daughter, Catherine (Markellos) Tsarouhas, and sons, Thomas (Kelly Klein) and James (Ruthann); grandchildren, Parker, Jack, Emmanuel, Maria, Harriet and Sylvia as well as a large extended family that includes many nieces and nephews.
A private burial has been held at Lakewood Cemetery. Mass of Christian Burial Friday June 24, 2022 1:00 pm at the Church of St. Joan of Arc, 4537 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Mary’s favorite organizations such as WAMM, People Incorporated, St. Joan of Arc Church or the charity of your choice.
www.GILLBROTHERS.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612 861 6088
Mary’s father was a long-time partner in the Minneapolis law firm Best & Flanagan. Mary grew up near Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis and attended Basilica of St. Mary Grade School and the Academy of Holy Angels High School. She continued her education at Trinity College in Washington, D.C. and graduated with a BA in English from the University of Minnesota.
In 1955, she married Dr. James G. White, and raised five children. During this period, Mary was an active member of many groups, including Junior League and the Woman’s Institute for Social Change. In 1978, Mary received a master’s degree in the field of social work from the University of Minnesota, and began working in the Social Work Department at the University of Minnesota. As part of her duties, she worked to ensure that social workers and therapists would be licensed by the state, eventually helping achieve the passage of this important legislation. Mary also helped to improve the lives of those with mental illness by working with NAMI and People Incorporated.
In addition to being a social worker, Mary was a dedicated peace activist who was one of the founding members of Women Against Military Madness (WAMM). As part of her commitment, Mary was arrested many times protesting for peace. Mary was also a founding member of Women Against All Violence (WAAV) and worked to create small communities of peace activists and build public awareness of the many private and public threats to women’s health and safety. Later, Mary was elected and served as president of the Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers. Family and friends consider Mary a visionary and inspiration in the peace and justice community.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James G. White, and two sons, Gregory and Michael. Mary is survived by her sister, Judith (Walter) Rich, her brother, Tom (Graham McKinley); daughter, Catherine (Markellos) Tsarouhas, and sons, Thomas (Kelly Klein) and James (Ruthann); grandchildren, Parker, Jack, Emmanuel, Maria, Harriet and Sylvia as well as a large extended family that includes many nieces and nephews.
A private burial has been held at Lakewood Cemetery. Mass of Christian Burial Friday June 24, 2022 1:00 pm at the Church of St. Joan of Arc, 4537 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Mary’s favorite organizations such as WAMM, People Incorporated, St. Joan of Arc Church or the charity of your choice.
www.GILLBROTHERS.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612 861 6088