Elizabeth (McSherry) White

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Elizabeth McSherry White, who passed away on May 26, 2026, at the age of 85.

She leaves behind her daughters Martha Colabella (Mark) and Meghan Benjamin (Kevin), grandchildren Patrick Colabella and Mary Grace Colabella, brother Bill McSherry (Betsy), and sister Marie Torre (Jack), as well as nieces, nephews and grandnephews.

“Liz” was born in Keene, New Hampshire, in 1941 to William McSherry and Florence (“Babe”) Connolly. Her family moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Ascension High School in 1958. She graduated from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1961. After graduation, she moved with her family to Hackensack, NJ, where she met her husband, Bob. They married in 1963 and moved to Syracuse, NY.

Liz dedicated her life to the caring and service of others. She worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Community General Hospital, and Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital all in the Syracuse area. Her biggest personal accomplishment was working 27 years as a labor and delivery nurse, which required her to change specialties when she was 43 years old. 

She was widowed in 1990 and remained in the Syracuse area until 2014. Liz returned to her family roots in Worcester, Massachusetts and was thrilled to be closer to her family, especially her darling grandchildren. There, she was able to create a special bond with each of them. She also rekindled childhood friendships and created many new ones along the way.

Liz was one of those people who was good at everything. She had many interests and hobbies. She liked to knit, crochet, and sew her own clothing and curtains. She was an amazing baker, and actually baked and decorated many wedding cakes including both of ours. She liked to garden and particularly enjoyed filling planters for the summer. She enjoyed walking her dog and visiting with her friends.

She will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Calling hours will be held from 4pm to 7pm, Friday, June 12, 2026, at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel at 370 Plantation St. in Worcester, MA.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, June 13, 2026, at St. Mary’s of the Hills Church, 630 Cross St., Boylston, MA.

She will be laid to rest alongside her husband, on Monday, June 15, 2026, at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 4100 East Genesee St., Syracuse, NY.