Mary Jo White

Mary Jo White, a dedicated public servant, passionate rural community advocate, and beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Friday, February 21st, peacefully at home at the age of 83. 

Born on December 27, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph and Patricia Ransford, Mary Jo's life was marked by a deep commitment to her family, her community, and the betterment of Pennsylvania. After graduating from Aquinas Girls Catholic Prep School in 1959, Mary Jo earned a B.A. degree from Quincy University in 1963, and received her J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1967. She met her husband while they worked together on the Pitt Law Review.

She began her career in public service as a public defender in Venango County, Pennsylvania, from 1974 to 1976. She then had a long and impactful career at Quaker State Oil Corp. While with Quaker State she started in the law department but was promptly promoted to Corporate Secretary and then to Vice President for Environmental and Government Affairs. She retired from Quaker State in 1995 when it was leaving Oil City. 

Her most enduring legacy, however, was her service as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania State Senate - despite being raised a Chicago Democrat. Representing the 21st District from 1997 to 2013, Mary Jo was a tireless advocate for sound environmental policy, rural communities, and equal rights for women. She chaired the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee for 12 years and, in 2011, she was the first woman elected to Republican Leadership in Pennsylvania. Widely recognized as an expert on environmental and land use issues, she played a pivotal role in shaping policies that allowed for oil, gas, and coal extraction; while still protecting the natural beauty of Pennsylvania and its wildlife. During her time in the Senate, she also was an active member of the Appropriations, Judiciary (Vice-Chair), Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, and the Public Health and Welfare Committees.

Beyond her legislative work, Mary Jo was highly effective while serving on a myriad of local community boards. She was particularly committed to higher education, serving on the Boards of Trustees for the University of Pittsburgh, Clarion University, Slippery Rock University and Westminster College. She was a founding board member and a driving force behind the creation of the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College. She was a leading advocate and champion of the nursing profession, and she was particularly focused on the provision of nursing care in rural areas of the Commonwealth. 

Mary Jo's life was also defined by her love for her family. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, H. William White Jr. who was a Judge in Venango County for 32 years and their children, H. William (Wil) III of Hermitage, PA; David of Franklin, PA, and Allison Werder (Craig) of Longmeadow, MA. She was the proud grandmother of Brooke, Allison, Haley, and Henry White; Ben and Kate Werder; and David Comiske. Additionally, she is survived by her brothers Robert (Frankfort, IL) and David Ransford (Skokie, IL) and her sisters Nancy Forman (Myrtle Beach, SC) and Kathleen Ransford (Chicago, IL). 

Anyone who knew Mary Jo can attest to her intellect, quick wit, and sense of humor. Whether it was beating her husband at Jeopardy each night, completing the Sunday NYT crossword in record time or spicing her political speeches with one of her favorite Irish jokes, she was a singular, exceptional woman. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and pets.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Precious Paws, the Venango County Humane Society, PPC Shelter, or any local charity of choice.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting huffguthrie.com.