Charmaine Rodelli White, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and respected CPA, passed away peacefully at her home on April 3, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 4, 1943, to John and Mary Rodelli, Charmaine’s life was marked by strong family bonds, dedication to her profession, and a deep capacity for love and connection.
Growing up in Chicago, Charmaine was immersed in a large extended family, fostering values that would remain central to her throughout her life. Her formative years included a significant chapter at Nazareth in LaGrange, a boarding school run by the Sisters of St. Joseph. From the 3rd grade through high school, this experience shaped her character and instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for education. She continued her academic journey at Mundelein College before dedicating herself to raising her two daughters in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
Demonstrating her commitment to personal and professional growth, Charmaine returned to Mundelein College after 25 years, completing her degree in Accounting. This achievement paved the way for a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant, a profession she genuinely enjoyed and excelled in for many years. Her dedication and expertise were evident in her long and fulfilling professional life.
A remarkable chapter unfolded in 2016 when Charmaine reconnected with her high school sweetheart, John E. White, Jr., after 54 years apart. Their rekindled romance culminated in marriage in December 2018, bringing immense joy and companionship to her later years. This reunion was a testament to the enduring power of love and destiny.
Charmaine will be fondly remembered as a strong and family-oriented woman. Family was the cornerstone of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with both her immediate and extended relatives. Her home was a hub for gatherings, from festive Christmas dinners to her legendary 4th of July parties, occasions filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. These gatherings highlighted her warm spirit and her ability to bring people together.
Her passing leaves a void in the lives of her devoted husband, John E. White, Jr., and her children: Cindy (Joe) Burke of Pingree Grove and Michele (Tom) Mercure of McHenry. Her stepchildren – the late John E. (Christine) White III, Amy (Alan) Theim of Kinnelon, NJ, Matthew White of Bay View, WI, and Aaron (Tamsyn) White of Norfolk, VA – also mourn her loss. Charmaine’s legacy extends to her grandchildren: Autumn, Nicole, and Michael Mercure, Nathaniel Burke, Christian White, Emily and Andrew Theim, and Samantha White, as well as her great-grandchild, Leighayla Mercure. She is also survived by her brother, John R. (Valerie) Rodelli. Each of them carries a piece of Charmaine’s spirit and love.
A memorial service to celebrate Charmaine’s life will be held at a future date when family and friends can once again gather safely. Her memory will continue to inspire and comfort all who knew her.
[It would be ideal to insert an image here of Charmaine with her family during a happy occasion, perhaps a 4th of July party. If an image URL was available, the markdown would look like this: “ The alt text focuses on describing the scene and including relevant keywords like “Charmaine White”, “family”, “John And Samantha White”, and the event “4th of July party”.]
