Leona Zadroga White

June 6, 2021

CHARLOTTE – Leona Zadroga White, known affectionately to her family as “MUM”

There will be a memorial service at 10:30 AM on Friday, June 11, 2021 in the sanctuary of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte 28210. A reception will follow the service at the church.

Leona was born March 26, 1930 in Elizabeth, PA to Pearl and Stanley Zadroga. She was a graduate of Elizabeth High School, where she was a straight A student, cheerleader and athlete. Mum was the ultimate optimist, always upbeat and good-natured, willing to go anywhere, try anything or help anyone. At the age of 40, she found a new passion – tennis – which provided a great workout, camaraderie and an outlet for her competitiveness. She was an inspiration to everyone as she continued to play until the pandemic closed the tennis courts.

A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend. Mum was predeceased by her husband, Wilbert Richard White, in 1999 and her son, Erik Thomas White, in 2001.

Surviving are three daughters: Diane White, Paulette Hacker and her husband, Michael and Karen White; five grandchildren, Elliot Hacker and his wife, Samantha, Ashley Jordan and her husband, Matt, Sheldon Turner, Ellery Wilkins and her husband, John and Evan Hacker; and three beloved great-grandchildren, Kristen Jordan, Lauren Jordan and Jack Wilkins.

Diane, Paulette and Karen extend their gratitude for the excellent and compassionate care she received by the staff at Atrium Health Main, as she surprised everyone with her unwillingness to concede “Game. Set. Match.”

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that you make a donation to your favorite charity.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Reggie Schloss

    Dear Karen and Family, My prayers are with all of you. I'm wishing all y'all a sense of growing Peace, and may you all feel surrounded by Love at this time. I am going to dust off my tennis racket in your mother's honor, because I remember with joy what the game once meant to me, and your mother reminds me that we can have all the joys of a full life for many years. Isn't it ironic that the word Love means "zero " in tennis? Because based on how you described your mother, it is clear that she lived her life with the knowledge that Love Is EVERYTHING! She certainly did an excellent job of passing that loving spirit to my friend, Karen! Peace Be With You All! Love, Reggie

  • Nora and John Swofford

    Many blessings to our dear friend Karen and your entire family. We know how much you loved your mom and how much she will be missed. Hold on in your heart all the wonderful memories you have. Much love to you.

  • christi neal

    my memories are of leona and tennis. i organize the tues. mint hill group. she was always so funny and a great inspiration to us. i always said i want to grow up to be leona and be playing tennis when i'm 80. she stopped playing with us when she said i'm good for 16 games but the 24 games were too much. even after she played with us i ran into her at park road park playing with her other ladies. she was our call for the Christmas party. she didn't want to miss the fellowship we had there. i would have to call her early because she was so popular that she would get "booked" early. then i would call and remind her. i will miss that phone call each year. she will be remembered fondly in our group. hugs and prayers.

  • Renea Mathews

    I would like to be half the woman Leona was. She was a delight to be around and always so encouraging and uplifting. She had such a keen sense of humor. I hope she is playing tennis in heaven!❣️❣️❣️

  • Laura Heflin

    Leona was such a dear friend. We met at Westminster while working . She always had a smile, a quip, and helping hand. While living in Pittsburgh, she came to all our family holiday dinners . She was famous for her potato salad brought in a huge bowl. A lovely delight who brought great joy to the world.
    Laura , Buzz Heflin

  • Ronnie Bryant

    My thoughts and prayers are with you guys doing this difficult period. May God you the strength to endure and the opportunity to cherish the memories.