Edwina Marie Garrette was born on December 16, 1932, in Colusa, California, the elder of two daughters of Edwin Charles Garrette of Woodland, California, and Inez Tomasina Vedo Garrette of Colusa, California. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 1, 2025, at the
age of 92.
Edwina grew up in Colusa, attending Colusa Elementary and Colusa High School. As a child of the Great Depression, she witnessed the struggles of that era and, at nine years old, saw the nation enter World War II. The war deeply impacted her life, as she lost beloved relatives and learned valuable lessons about resilience
and perseverance.
After high school, Edwina attended Stanford University, where she met Edward Douglas White Jr., whom she later married on October 1, 1955. She pursued her passion for nursing by transferring to Saint Mary’s Nursing School and ultimately became a registered nurse. Edwina and Doug had four sons—Doug, Charlie, Tim, and Paul—all born in Colusa.
Following their divorce in 1970, Edwina raised her sons in Colusa before completing her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Chico State. She later moved with her two youngest sons to Ashland, Oregon, where she spent much of her adult life. She cherished Ashland for its natural beauty and artistic culture, actively engaging in community arts programs. A talented painter and pianist, Edwina filled her home with classical music and her own artwork, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew her.
She is survived by three of her sons—Doug, Tim, and Paul—as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Catholic Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in a brief service at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at the Colusa Golf and
Country Club.
