Therese was born in Seattle in 1916, graduated from Seattle’s Garfield High School, and met Robert White at the University of Washington. Bob hired Therese, an accomplished pianist, for his campus dance orchestra. After graduation Bob took a post teaching school music in Juneau, Alaska, and Therese played professionally in San Francisco for several years. They were married in Juneau in 1939, where son Jim was born in 1941. Son John was born in 1942 after the family moved to The Dalles. They moved to Portland in 1946, where Therese taught piano privately for many years. Bob White was Wilson High’s band and orchestra director when the school first opened its doors, in 1956. He passed away in 1992.

A great wife and mom, Therese made many friends with her piano and her sunny personality. She had a repertoire of hundreds of popular songs and Broadway show tunes and loved to play for friends and family, and to accompany singers and theater groups. She will be missed by many.

Therese is survived by sons Jim (Dita) of Seattle and John (Carol Ann) of Lake Oswego, by grandchildren Heidi and David (Mary Char), and by six great grandchildren. Therese “adopted” Beaverton pianist/entrepreneur Phil Mandel as her third son some years ago, and Phil’s friendship and support meant a great deal to her. Therese is also survived by nephews John Kirchner of Los Angeles and Steve Kirchner of Washington, DC.

The family is grateful beyond words for the wonderful care Therese received in her final years from the staff of Robison Jewish Health Center, where she entertained fellow residents on Fridays until a few months before her passing. Dr. Mark Bajorek attended Therese for many years and his care and counsel were invaluable.

A private service has been held at Riverview Abbey. Details will be posted on this web site for a memorial celebration for family and friends tentatively scheduled for next month at Robison.