Sally Lee White

MADISON - Sally Lee White, 84, of Madison, Wis., passed away at home on Monday, September 28, 2026. Sally was born on March 25, 1942, in La Crosse, Wis., to Arlan and Marjorie (Thoreson) Lee. She graduated from Holmen High School in 1960 and received a bachelor’s degree in Education from UW-Eau Claire, and later a master’s degree in Education from Central Michigan University.

On January 18, 1964, Sally married William R. “Bill” White in Holmen. They made their home in St. Paul, Minn., Hollandale, Wis., Westland, Mich., Mount Pleasant, Mich., and Madison. They have two children. Sally was an elementary school teacher in the St. Paul, Minn., schools. For several years she was the director of a family camping program in Michigan and developed programs for the ELCA Lutheran Church throughout the country. For 20 years of her career, she served as an elementary principal at schools in Beal City, Mich., and Windsor, Wis. She was a kind and caring person to everyone she met. She loved hosting, cooking, playing piano, hiking and spending time with family and friends.

Sally is survived by her husband, Bill; children, Sara (Dana Erickson) of Sherman Oaks, Calif., and Scott (Stacey) White of Forest Park, Ill.; grandchildren, Thomas White of Urbana, Ill., Isaac White of Sandy, Utah and Isabel Erickson of Sherman Oaks, Calif.; siblings, Susan (Larry) Gant of Dover, Del., Mary Sink of Birmingham, Ala., Scott (Judy) Lee of Trempealeau and Jane Chaffee of La Crosse; nine nieces and nephews; and many good friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a nephew.

Sally struggled with Parkinson’s for the last 15 years. The family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare, her caregivers, and her many friends who visited and called regularly.

Sally’s funeral will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026. Visitation will be held at the church from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. 

Memorials may be made in her name to Partners for Puerto Rico (through Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison), or the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761