Annie Agnes (Gerrior) White

April 28,1941- September 22, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Annie Agnes (Gerrior) White, on Monday, September 22nd in the Strait Richmond Hospital, Evanston, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the daughter of the late Joseph William and Mary Catherine (Campbell) Gerrior.

Annie is survived by her much loved husband Pius White of 52 years and treasured sons Shannon (Brandy) Airdrie, AB; Sheldon (Amanda) Whiteside; Shane (Jane) Porters Lake, NS; precious grandchildren Chelsea, Airdrie, AB; Laura, Emily, and Jenna, Porters Lake, NS; two siblings Mary Josephine McNamara, Evanston; Neil Joseph Gerrior, Johnstown;  sister-in-law Mary Anita Gerrior, Barbara Mitchell, Rhoda MacDonald, Lucy (Brian) Voss, Edith (Vesty) MacInnis, and Barbara Malcolm. Godchildren Camilla McCarthy, Cathy Symonds, and Chad McNamara. Annie showed her true affection among her numerous nieces and nephews.  Annie also had a special bond with grandniece Cassia Symonds, and her namesake grandniece Sophie Annie Symonds.

Besides her parents, Annie was predeceased by her siblings Patricia (Vincent) McNamara, Jean (Blair) McNamara, George Gerrior, Foster Brother Henry Mitchell, brother-in-law Terry McNamara, mother and father-in-law Pearl and Will Dan White, sister-in-law Pauline Thompson, brother-in-law John Howard White, brother-in-law Robert Mac Donald, brother-in-law Robert Malcolm, and brother-in-law Audley Thompson. Godparents Annie MacInnis and Dannie Campbell.  

In her youth, Annie was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Johnstown where she and her best friend and neighbour Edie Mac Millan would sing morning Mass from Monday to Saturday every week. The Stirling Mine in Richmond County operated between 1952 – 1956. During those years the population was large in Stirling and a Catholic Mission Church was situated in the area.  Occasionally the small choir of Sacred Heart Parish would sing for the Celebration of Mass, a memory that remained very dear to Annie’s heart.

The first twelve years of Annie’s schooling was at Johnstown Academy. She had a passion for reading.  She showed her talents winning in speech festivals and later acting in plays that served as fundraisers for the community of Johnstown. The entertainment didn’t stop here. The cast would travel to numerous venues and audiences over Cape Breton Island.

Annie received her grade 12 diploma from St. Peter’s District High and from there went on to Nova Scotia Normal College in Truro where she graduated in 1960.  Annie was a member of the Glee Club, playing the piano at Seton Hall, where she resided. She was a member of the CYO at the local Catholic Church. Annie made many lifetime friends during her year. Annie was never idle.  During summer vacations she would attend Cape Breton University in Sydney to earn credits towards higher degrees. An educator by profession, Annie is a former teacher of Lower River Inhabitants (1960-1962) and Johnstown Academy.  Besides teaching in Johnstown, Annie took an active role serving on the board of directors of the Johnstown Credit Union. Following Annie’s retirement, she continued to substitute in numerous schools mainly throughout Richmond County.

Annie had a deep and unconditional love for her family.  She always showed a great interest and was extremely proud of all their successes and achievements. Over the years, her greatest enjoyment was watching her three sons being involved in sports. Most times when you met Pius and Annie on the highway, they were either going to or coming from a ballfield or hockey rink.  This delight is now carried on by Annie’s beloved grandchildren and each time they excel in their sport Annie was right there anxiously delighted to share the great news. 

Having Annie in our presence would always light up our lives.  We will miss her dearly.   

Visitation will be held in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, 724 Granville St. Port Hawkesbury on Thursday, October 2nd from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-9:00p.m.

Mass of Christian burial will be held in St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church, Lower River Inhabitants on Friday October 3rd at 11:00 a.m. with Father Duncan MacIsaac officiating. Burial immediately following in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Whiteside. Following will be a luncheon in the Riverdale Community Centre.

Memorial Donations may be made in Annie’s memory to the Strait Richmond Hospital Palliative Care Society or a charity of your choice.

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks .com.