Marblehead, MA: Joan Dee Martin "Jo" White died peacefully May 4, 2015 after a brief illness. She was born in 1923 to Dr. Thomas Livingston Martin and Anna Eleanor McCusker, of North Attleboro, Massachusetts. After graduating from Franklin High School in Franklin, MA she then attended The Fisher School in Boston and after graduation she volunteered with the US Coast Guard Reserves or "SPARS". Jo then started an exciting career in downtown Boston at the Lenox Hotel as the General Manager's assistant.

With her proficiency for business and good looks she caught the eye of a fun-loving and engaging man by the name of Lewis B. White. Fondly known as Sam, he enticed her away from her career and they were married in 1948. They moved to Marblehead in 1950 to raise a family and to enjoy boating on Marblehead waters and many, many baseball games at Gatchell's . At 42, Jo became a young widow and started a long and rewarding career; in the town she loved so, to support her five children. Jo, a Christian Scientist and devoted mother, became a respected Real Estate broker (Jo White Real Estate, Hunneman & Co. and ERA Cassidy) and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce. She was the Chamber's "Woman of the Year" in 1986 and words to describe her were written, "Forthrightness, honesty, capability, tough competitor – traits in Jo White.". Known fondly as "Ma White" to many of her children's friends as she loved cooking and having the house filled with family and friends from Marblehead Little League fundraisers, to family holiday dinners to hosting 50+ Naval Academy midshipmen each summer while they were in Marblehead racing.

She is survived by her five children: Jere Martin and wife Brenda, Tampa, FL, Thomas Charles and wife Kate, Pittsburg, PA, Lewis B. Jr. (Lou) & Cynthia Curtis, Rockport, MA Georgia Dee (DeeDee) Felich and husband, Greg, La Quinta, CA, , Joel Dexter and wife, Betsy, Marblehead, nine grandchildren, Lewis and Courtney White, Sam and Josh White, Jack and Donald Felich, Eleanora, Jason and Colin White and one great grandchild, Hunter James White. She will be remembered by her children and all who knew her as the quintessential Marbleheader who worked hard and endured the complications of life without complaint.

Graveside services to be private. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Devereux House Resident Activity Fund, 39 Lafayette Street, Marblehead, MA 01945. 01915 For additional information or online guest book please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com