Last Sunday morning at 1 o'clock Coldwater lost one of its musicians who for many years contributed generously of her talent for the benefit of the community. Mrs. A. A. White passed away in the Comanche County Hospital after being in declining health for several years. She had been in the hospital about a year.Funeral services for Mrs. White were held in the Presbyterian church in this city at 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, and were in charge of the pastor, Rev. Lyle H. Gillham.
Mrs. J. P. Scholle and Mrs. Frank Weber sang "All as God Wills" and "Abide with Me." Mrs. Francis Gregg was the organist. Pallbearers were Horace Rich, Bob Stewart, Raymond Cline, Glenn McCulla, John Barlow and Virgil McIntyre. Burial was in Crown Hill cemetery by the side of her husband, A. A. White, and of her father, George S. Silsby.
Obituary Mae Silsby White, daughter of the late George S. Silsby, was born in Bangor, Maine, March 27, 1863, and departed this life in the Commanche County Hospital Sunday morning, May 17, 1953, at the age of 90 years, 1 month and 23 days. She had been in ill health for several years gradually growing worse until the end.
By request, the following tribute to Mrs. White was written by Mrs. Mae McMillen:
She was a splendid musician, and as a younger woman, had been active in the musical world, at one time doing a great deal of concert work as well, acting as accompanist to such celebrities as Melba Sembrich and Madam Schumann Heinck, at the Spring Musical Festivals, mostly in her home state of Maine.
She had composed some very fine musical selections, several anthems being among her better compositions. One in particular, "All as God Wills," was sung at her funeral by Mrs. Scholle.
Mrs. White played for the dedication services of the Presbyterian church at the time of the installation and dedication of the organ in the year 1913 and remained organist of the church until her health began to fail about five years ago. She was a member of the Unitarian church in Bangor, Maine. She was married to A. A. White of Bangor, a short time before coming to Coldwater to make her home in 1909. Mr. White preceded her in death by a few months.
She was a valued and loyal member of the Research, Kensington and Apollo Music Clubs of this city.
She was a great lover of children, being especially fond of those she called her own - her many music pupils.
So ends the earthly life of a noble and beloved woman who contributed much to the community life in which she lived.
"Death should be calm and serene when work is done and well done. There is nothing to regret, either for those who go or those who stay behind - only an inheritance of accomplishment to be lived up by those who carry a loving memory in their hearts."
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