In Loving Memory of Hilda Josefina ‘Josie’ White
Friday 8th November 2024
10.30am - St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Redhill, 122 Ladbroke Rd, Redhill RH1 1LF
12noon - Surrey and Sussex Crematorium, Balcombe Rd, Crawley RH10 3NQ
The Live Stream
Josie White: A Life of Resilience and Love
Josie was born in Burabod, a town in Sorsogon, Philippines, as the fourth of eleven siblings to Adela and Azarias Jayco. Growing up on the extensive family farm, she relished the freedom of childhood, playing with her siblings and climbing trees under the sun. Josie's early passion for dance flourished as she participated in numerous competitions, always cheered on by her devoted mother and grandmother. In addition to dance, she showcased her musical talents on the piano and guitar while excelling in her love for languages, mastering English, Spanish, and Italian.
An honor student, Josie earned her degree in Home Technology and Agriculture from the University of the Philippines. She began her career as a community development officer at the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), where she dedicated herself to enhancing rural infrastructure and uplifting communities. A family connection later opened doors for her in the UK, where her journey culminated in Croydon, where she met her future husband, Nicholas White.
After returning to the Philippines, Josie and Nick exchanged heartfelt love letters for two years, before Nick traveled to the Philippines to marry her in a beautiful ceremony in 1979. Shortly after, she relocated to the UK, where she started a new chapter in her life. In 1983, Josie joyfully welcomed her first daughter, Sarah, followed closely by her second daughter, Paula, in 1984. As a devoted and involved mother, Josie meticulously documented their lives with photographs and descriptions and taught them everything from maths to piano. She instilled in them the belief that education was the cornerstone of future success and security. Josie was filled with joy when her sister, Norma, moved to the UK to pursue her nursing career in 1989, strengthening their close sisterly bond, and she cherished the arrival of her beloved nephew and Godson, Michael, in 1996.
In September 1991, Josie faced a significant health challenge with total kidney failure, but she demonstrated remarkable strength. After receiving a kidney transplant in October 1993, she embraced her new lease of life with enthusiasm. Josie found joy in being with family, travel, gardening, dried flower arranging and tennis.
Josie retired in 2010 and celebrated the marriages of her daughters: Paula to James in 2012 and Sarah to Jonathan in 2014. The arrival of her grandchildren brought her immense joy and fulfilment —Joey in 2015, Theodore in 2017, Clara in 2018 and Mia in 2020—marking as she professed, the happiest time of her life.
Despite enduring health challenges, Josie's resilience shone through as she managed her conditions with meticulous care and determination. A devout Catholic, Josie was deeply dedicated to her faith, embracing prayer and the teachings that guided her life. On October 4, 2024, Josie peacefully succumbed to kidney and heart failure, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering spirit.
The Kidney Foundation is a charity close to our family’s hearts.
Should you wish to make a donation in memory of Josie, please do so: