Obituary of Leah A. White

SCHENECTADY- Leah Alexandra White, daughter of Katrina Hoes-Villeneuve & William B. White was born in Seattle, Washington on December 8, 1966. She passed peacefully on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 with her family by her side. She is survived by her loving husband, Todd Oberdick; her children Ashley Kraus (Jim) and Michael “Mikey” Penik (Dana Gallacchi); her adoring granddaughter, Naia Kraus; her mother, Katrina Hoes-Villeneuve; her brother, Shawn White; and sisters, Lynn Zaidan (Chris), Anya Villeneuve, and Meagan Bianchino (Joseph), and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, William B. White. Leah was employed by the Niskayuna Central School District for 23 years as a teaching assistant. She had a passion for working with students with disabilities, and a knack for sharing the joy of learning with everyone around her. Leah’s favorite part of working at Niskayuna was seeing her own children in the hallways during passing time, and giving them money for ice-cream during lunch. Leah was a prolific and skilled quilter and crafter. She was also an active USRowing referee for over 20 years, traveling around the country to officiate regattas. In addition, she served as the USRowing Regional Referee Coordinator, and was an active and enthusiastic mentor to less experienced referees. Leah loved traveling with her husband Todd and enjoyed relaxing on the beach. Being on or by the water was her great joy, whether experiencing the serenity of the ocean from the shore or actively advancing the sport of rowing she loved. Leah was a constant light in the lives of many people, and shared her laughter and warmth with everyone she knew. Her biggest joy was being a grandmother, a role she genuinely cherished. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the following: Animal Protective Foundation 53 Maple Avenue, Glenville, NY 12302 https://www.animalprotective.org/dev/tribute-gift National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/our-work/donations-niaaa Calling hours will be Friday, January 21, 4-6pm at Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union Street, Schenectady NY 12309. Expressions of sympathy and remembrance may be sent to the family c/o Leah’s husband. No service has been planned. Arrangements were entrusted to: Simple Choices, Inc. Cremation Service To leave a special message for the family, please visit: SimpleChoicesCremation.com