Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Family and friends of Luella Ann Doak White gathered at McCulley Commons in Presque Isle recently to celebrate her 90th birthday.
LUELLA WHITE HONORED — Luella Doak White was the guest of honor at a party put on by her children to celebrate her 90th birthday. Pictured from left are the birthday girl with her children: Lynn White Hancock, Carmen White McPhail, Luella Doak White, Bryan White, Brenda White McIsaac and Colin White.
White was born Aug. 1, 1921, in Easton, the daughter of G. Addie and Eva Buckingham Doak.
“I graduated from Easton in 1940 and married Clinton White in 1943. Once our five children were grown, I went to work as a cook at Zippel Elementary where I worked for 14 years,” said White.
All five of White’s children were able to attend the celebration — an event that was no surprise to White.
“They surprised me with a party for my 80th. I made my kids promise they wouldn’t do it again,” she said.
Joining White for the festive occasion were her children: Bryan and his wife Jane, from Pittsfield, Mass.; Colin and his wife Shirley, from New Market, N.H.; Brenda White McIsaac, of Plant City, Fla.; Carmen White McPhail and her husband Phil, from Lincoln; and Lynn White Hancock and her husband Tim, of Skowhegan.
The grandmother of eight had three grandchildren attend the party. They were: Scott White Jr. of New Hampshire, Morgan McPhail of Ellsworth and Erica McPhail of Lincoln.
Several of her extended family also took part, including: White’s cousin, Marie Smith Hewitt, and sister-in-law Ida Craig Doak, both of Easton. Making the trip from San Antonio, was her niece, Jo Doak Cape. Great-niece Rhonda Libby Johnston, great-great niece Abby Johnston and great-great nephew Bryce Johnston, all of Presque Isle, also took part.
Others attending from out-of-town were: family friends Margaret Rodwell of Plant City, Fla.; Melvin Murphy, of South Carolina; and Ruth Plummer, of Medway. Grandchildren unable to attend were Marcy McIsaac Rooks, of Apollo Beach, Fla.; Lisa White Pletzer, of Pittsfield, Mass.; Bryan White Jr., of England; Colin White Jr. and Jennifer White of South Carolina.
Great-grandchildren unable to attend were: Sean Rooks of Orlando; Mason Rooks, from Riverview, Fla.; John Pletzer Jr. and Jayden Pletzer of Pittsfield, Mass.; Jordan White and Emalee White of South Carolina.
Many friends from Bethany Baptist Church, McCulley Commons and the surrounding area also attended, with refreshments enjoyed by all.
“The cake was made by my granddaughter, Morgan,” said White.
Colin, Brenda, Carmen and Lynn sang, “I Saw the Light.” Bryan offered a trip down memory lane, speaking on what life was like in 1921.
White received many cards and warm wishes, including a letter of congratulations from Gov. Paul LePage.
White spends her time enjoying a hobby that benefits others.
“I enjoy knitting. I make mittens for RSVP and the Kiwanis Club. I like helping others,” said White.
