Grace Witter White, Madison… age 98, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Oakwood Village University Woods in Madison, WI, where she died peacefully.
After graduating from Wausau Senior High School in 1943, Grace made a deal with her parents that if she won a national writing contest, she could go to college. Surprising them, she did win, and moved to Madison to study at the University of Wisconsin where she received her B.S. in Home Economics Journalism in 1947. She married fellow journalist and graduate student Maury shortly after her graduation. Maury served as WWOA President from 1984-85. He preceded her in death.
Following graduation, Grace served as editor of Wisconsin Country Magazine, a job she loved. After raising four children she returned to writing and editing. She served as editor of Woodland Management magazine (currently Wisconsin Woodlands) from 1986-88.
Grace and Maury loved nature and enjoyed hiking, canoeing, skiing, and camping. She enjoyed time at the family cabins in northern Wisconsin and managed their various woodlands. She was a charter and life member of WWOA. Grace participated in the WWOA Black Hawk, Central Sands, and North Central chapters. She volunteered much of her time to educate landowners on forest management in her work with WWOA through the decades. Grace became a cross-country skiing legend by competing in the American Birkebeiner’s Kortelopet ski race into her 70s, often winning the Matriarch Award as the oldest female racer.
A Celebration of Life for Grace White will be held on Friday, July 12, at the Hoyt Park Main Shelter located at 3902 Regent Street in Madison at 3 pm, sharing stories at 4 pm. Guests will enjoy appetizers, dessert, and beverages. For a map see the above link to her obituary.
The family suggests that memorials be made to the Maurice and Grace White UW Life Sciences Communication Scholarship, UW Foundation, 1848 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53726 or to Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, WI 53711.