Marjory Gelpke White, a long time Princeton resident, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2017 at the age of 92 in the home of her loving daughter, Laura White Marks in Windham, New Hampshire. Her daughter, Nancy White Baruch and granddaughter, Cayce Marks were also at her bedside at the time of her passing.
She was born Marjory Gerhardine Gelpke on July 25, 1924 to Ellen and Adolf Gelpke in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
Marjory attended Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pennsylvania in 1941-1945, graduating with a Masters Degree in both Biology and Chemistry. Marjory then
attended Temple University Medical School in
Philadelphia in 1946 – 1948. After meeting the love of her life, William Rolt White, they married in 1948 and lived in Easton, Pennsylvania while “Bill” finished his degree at Lafayette College. Settling back in the Philadelphia area for a number of years, they then moved to Princeton in 1963. Both were active members of the All Saint’s Church, the school and community.
At All Saint’s Church, Marjory served on the Altar Guild, Flower Guild and was the first woman to be elected to the Vestry. As her children were involved in the Boy and Girl Scouting programs, she volunteered to be leaders in both organizations. She was President of the Princeton High School PTA, a 27 year member of PEO, a philanthropic educational organization that raises money for women’s scholarships and a long time active member of the
Women’s College Club of Princeton from 1963 – 2016, serving as president 1981-1983. The WCCP also raises monies for scholarships for young women to attend
college. Having been raised to value education, Marjory was passionate about helping young women further their education through scholarship assistance.
After Bill White’s sudden and unexpected death
(on his 50th birthday) in 1971, Marjory became sole
provider of her three children; one in college, one on the way to college and another in high school. Marjory,
having just earned her Real Estate Brokers license a few months before, joined Audrey Short Realty World and embarked on an illustrious career, earning multiple awards as New Jersey’s top salesperson, spanning
decades in the business. This was evident as, at the age of 85 she was being recruited by five competing Princeton real estate firms after her firm, Bergdorf Goodman, was bought by Coldwell Banker.
Marjory’s success in real estate was rooted in creating a caring relationship and welcoming her clients into the community she loved. Many of her clients became good friends and fellow parishioners at All Saints Church. As matriarch of the family, Marjory was the historian and keeper of the many generational stories. She helped strengthen the family bonds with her passion to connect everyone. Family reunions in Ocean City, New Jersey, were especially joyful occasions.
Always an adventurous spirit, Marjory enjoyed exploring the world with her children and grandchildren, traveling to England, Ireland, France, Costa Rica, the Caribbean
Islands, Italy and Greece. A life long learner and lover of the arts, Marjory reaped the benefits of living in
Princeton, auditing courses at the University and
regularly attending performances at McCarter Theater and the NJ Symphony at Richardson Hall.
Beloved wife, mother, mother in law, grandmother and great grandmother, Marjory was predeceased by her
parents, Ellen and Adolf Gelpke, her husband, William R. White, her sister Ellen Craun, brother in law Ted Craun, nephew Todd Craun, sister in law Gloria Gelpke and brother in law John Macinko. She is survived by her three children, Geoffrey, Laura and Nancy, brother Roy
Gelpke, sister Connie Macinko, grandchildren Fenlon, Justine, Seaver, Brett, Tyler, Cayce, Luke and great grandson, Adrian.
There will a memorial service to celebrate Marjory’s life on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 2:30 pm , at All Saints Church, 16 All Saints Road, Princeton, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, Marjory requested contributions made to Women’s College Club of Princeton, NJ, PO Box 3181, Princeton, NJ 08540, PEO Foundation, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312, or All Saints Church, 16 All Saints’ Road, Princeton, NJ 08540.