Elaine Barbara White

Elaine Barbara (Bartlett) White, age 85, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Serenity Hills Nursing Home in Wrentham, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on July 7, 1940, she was the daughter of David “Jack” and Bertha May (Congdon) Bartlett.

Elaine was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts, along with her sister and best friend Linda, and attended the local public schools. One summer during High School, Elaine met James White while at the beach in Westport, Massachusetts. It was love at first sight, with the pair marrying in January of 1958. The newlyweds made their married home in Texas, as James was stationed there with the Air Force. In Texas, Elaine and James started their family, welcoming their daughter Jackye. Shortly thereafter, they would return to Walpole, where they would later welcome four more children, Terri, Wendy, Stefanie and Christopher.

As if five children of their own were not enough, Elaine and James opened their doors and their hearts to children in the foster system. They provided a structured, loving environment for more than one hundred children, at one point being recognized for their efforts as "Foster Parents of the Year" in Massachusetts. Elaine continued to foster after the passing of her beloved husband, never wanting to turn away a child in need, and continuing to be a haven until she was almost seventy years old.

Elaine was one of the lucky few to find true love not once, but twice in her life, marrying Robert "Bobby" White in the summer of 2001. Elaine and Bobby found companionship and comfort with each other. They shared many interests, such as camping, buying a camper to adventure to some of Elaine's favorite vacation spots on Long Lake in Maine and Horseneck Beach in Massachusetts. An antique furniture aficionado, Elaine loved to browse local shops and discover treasures that she and Bobby would refurbish and sell at Nothings New in Norfolk.

In her free time, Elaine enjoyed crafting and painting. She was a woman of strong faith, who was incredibly involved in her religious community at the Church of Emmanuel in Foxborough. Whether it was attending services, hosting her bible study group, or participating in the SO50 senior get togethers after services, Elaine loved to be celebrating her faith with fellowship. In her later years, Elaine would also greatly love spending time at "The Club" at the Medfield Senior Center, socializing and keeping active. Elaine will be remembered as a spunky and determined woman, who never turned down a delicious lobster roll or Red Wing pizza.

Beloved wife of the late James F. White, and the late Robert White.

Loving mother of Jackye Brow and her husband Dan of Smithfield, Maine, Terri Manty and her husband Paul of Whitinsiville, Wendy Peterson of Natick, Stefanie J. Goula and her husband Stephen of Walpole, and Christopher White.

Cherished grandmother of nineteen grandchildren and great grandmother of thirty-two.

Devoted foster mother to hundreds.

Dear sister of Linda Chambers of Norfolk.

Also survived by many extended relatives and friends.

At the request of Elaine's family, all immediate services will be private, with a memorial to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Elaine's name may be made to the Church of Emmanuel at 106 Central Street, Foxborough, MA 02035 or by visiting https://www.thisisemmanuel.org/give

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.