Ilene A. White

Born August 21st, 1925, in Marquette, a daughter of Roger and Uldene (Nadeau) Turenne, Ilene was raised in South Marquette. She actually met her future husband, Bill White, on the school playground while in the third grade, announcing to her girlfriend, “I’m gonna marry that kid someday.”

Ilene graduated from Graveraet High School and, like so many other young women of her time, found her first employment as an operator with Bell Telephone. On September 22nd, 1945, Ilene was united in marriage to her childhood sweetheart, William White, with the couple eventually making their home in their picturesque log cabin on Lakewood Lane. Ilene later began a 40 year employment with Lutey’s Flower Shop, working for owners, Richard Lutey, Fred Donckers, Kristi Flatt, and Sarah Ruuska throughout the years. She possessed an outgoing personality, combined with her engaging smile, which served as an asset for the shop as she loved serving the customers and visiting with them. Kind and compassionate, Ilene simply loved to socialize, enjoyed visiting with friends, attending parties, and providing rides when needed. Within the family, she was known and teased as the “Mrs. Go”, always ready to be on the go and open to any adventure. Also crowned as the “Queen of Rummage Sales”, she found and collected treasures for repurposing and decorating.

She loved the holidays and her home was always decorated in the theme of the holiday, even if the Christmas tree stayed up until March. Holiday preparations and gatherings were always events to look forward to at “The White House”. A talented baker, she often gifted friends with surprise goodies on their birthdays and other occasions. A member of St. Louis the King Catholic Church and Altar Society, Ilene also belonged to the Marquette Golf and Country Club, Sunshine Girls, Red Hat Society, Elks Auxiliary, and was recognized by the St. Vincent de Paul Society as their oldest contributing donor for which she received an award. In every organization, she brought her gift of gab, humor, willingness to help, and openness to having a good time.

Ilene is survived by her daughters, Mary Erck and Kris (David) Saint-Onge; daughter-in-law, Sherry White; son-in-law, Chuck Oberstar all of Marquette; her grandchildren, Amy (Dan) Berandt, Collin (Samantha) Saint-Onge, Carley (Andy) Herro; great-grandchildren, Kailey and Kaitlyn Berandt, Claire and Sienna Saint-Onge, and Brooks Herro and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Ilene was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; son, Bobby Jo; daughter, Janet Oberstar; siblings and in-laws, Mary (Donald) Koskey, Robert Turenne, Grace (John “Jack”) Hyde, and Dorothy (Bob) LaJeunesse; and a nephew, Roger Hyde.

Ilene leaves behind an example of a life well lived, one of kindness, consideration, patience, and understanding. She is loved and will be missed!

Services will be held in the summer of 2023 followed by a celebration of life at the family home on Lakewood Lane and will be announced.

Memorials may be directed to the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 2119 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff, nurses, and residents of the Norlite Nursing Center for their compassionate and professional care of Ilene while she resided there. Many new friendships were formed that certainly added to the quality of her life. Also, special thanks to the staff and kitchen staff who so graciously cared for the family as they sat vigil the last 12 days. Your kindness will long be remembered.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.