Obituary of Melissa A. White

Melissa White

1978 – 2022

Clinton – Melissa Anne White, 44, of Clinton, formerly of New Hartford, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo after a courageous battle with leukemia.

            Melissa was born October 23, 1978, in Utica, the daughter of Dennis and Annette (Vennaro) Gillmore.  She was raised and educated in New Hartford and went on to attend MVCC in Utica.  Melissa had been employed as a receptionist with Lutheran Care in Clinton, where she was loved by the residents and their families as well as by her coworkers.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Clinton. 

            Melissa’s children were her life.  She was the definition of a “supermom”, having attended all of her kids sports, home or away; and in the event of a conflict made sure someone was there to support her child.  She was a school volunteer in preschool and elementary, and also active in the sports boosters, helping with senior night, concessions, posters and such; she was also a Girl Scout Leader.  When Melissa wasn’t donating her time and energy, she enjoyed taking her children on vacation (and never thought twice about allowing them to bring friends along), especially to the beach at Assateague Island in Maryland.

            Melissa is survived by two cherished children, Chloe White and Parker White, Clinton; by her parents, Dennis and Annette Gillmore, New Hartford; her brother and sister-in-law, Kristopher Gillmore & Abby Craig, Portland, OR; nieces and nephew, Maeve, Maris, and Boone Gillmore; her step-grandmother, Joyce Gillmore, Zephyrhills, FL; her boyfriend, Justin Vanderhoof, Clinton and his daughters, Andrea, Alyssa, Allison, and Julia; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; the father of her children, John White, Chadwicks.  She also leaves her canine companion, Sophie as well as her bearded dragon, Max, of which she called her spirit animal.  Her animals were family to her.

            Relatives and friends may call at R.P. Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., 10 East Park Row, Clinton on Thursday, December 22, 2022 for memorial visitation from 4 – 7 pm.  A prayer service will take place at 7:00 pm.

           Those wishing may donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 3 International Dr., Suite 200, Rye Brook, NY 10573 or to Be The Match (no cost Stem Cell Donation & Bone Marrow Donation), 500 N 5^th St., Minneapolis, MN  55401-1206.

            Online memorial and guestbook available at www.rpheintzfsi.com.