Leona E. White, a lifelong resident of Oak Bluffs, died peacefully on Thursday morning, Jan. 26 at the Martha‘s Vineyard Hospital. She was just shy of her 93rd birthday.

She was married to Lester A. White for 47 years. He predeceased her in 2013.

Leona was born on Feb. 12, 1924 to Elisha T. Smith and Rose Anna Julian. She will be remembered for giving an able and willing helping hand to so many. She enjoyed baking, knitting, crocheting, gardening and bird watching. During her early years she made birthday and wedding cakes for so many people.

She is survived by her son Antone L. White and his wife Carrie; five grandchildren: Mary Beth Baptiste, Christopher J. Thurber and his wife Amy, Heather A. White, Heidi E. White, and James A. White; and her daughter in law Susan Thurber. She is also survived by her great-granddaughter Samantha L. Thurber, one great-great-granddaughter, and several nieces, nephews and friends. She was also predeceased by her first husband, Adelburt E. Thurber, in 1962, her brother Elisha R. Smith in 2013, her son Adelburt E. (Bud) Thurber, and her daughter, Eleanor (Thurber) Eglinas.

A graveside service for family and friends was held on Monday, Jan. 30 at Smith Cemetery on Barnes Road in Oak Bluffs.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.