Fortier High School Memory Book (2/9/10)
McDonough Gwen White
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Resides Marietta, GA
White,
Gwen McDonough Spouse: Leon Moore White.....Fortier class of '53; married
for 52 years.
Further Educational accomplishments: Received certification to teach dance after completing a 50 hour course. Continued education in dance through national organizations such as Dance Educators of America and various workshops.
Family
history: Leon and I have 3 children and 5 grand
children.
Amy E. White was born in Lake Charles, La., completed a degree in communications
at Simmons College in Boston. She has continued to work successfully in
her chosen field in Boston, Chicago, and Columbus, Ohio. She serves as a
trustee for Simmons and is a cherished aunt to her nieces and nephews.
Leon M. White, III (Lee) was born in Atlanta, Ga. Completed his degree at the University of Georgia. During Christmas vacations during his college years, Lee worked with UPS. He was offered a position by that company after graduation and is now the Industrial Engineering Manager for the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania district. Lee & his wife, Jean have a son, Andy(21), and two daughters, Kathleen (15), and Sarah, (11).
Neal Matthew White was born in Atlanta and after playing soccer on a scholarship
in Savannah, Ga., finished his degree in psychology at the University of Georgia.
Neal worked in management for several large restaurants after graduation.
He recently opened his own restaurant in Jacksonville, Fla. called the New Orleans
Cafe. He is using family recipes and is always delighted to greet "old"
friends of his parents when they stop in for a meal. Neal and his wife, Dee, have
a son, Bryce (12) and a daughter, Amelia, (9).
Achievements and Occupational History: I consider our greatest achievement successfully raising our kids and remaining married! Leon's career took us from N.O. to Lake Charles while he fulfilled his obligation with the Air Force. When his service with the Air Force was completed the company he’d worked for during his time at Tulane offered him a position in Atlanta. From Atlanta, we moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on to Springfield, Massachusetts, back to Atlanta, then to Chicago, and finally back to Atlanta. I was able to teach dance in most of those places. Sharing my passion for dance with students from age two to eighty. I officially retired in 2003 but still dance with a tap group and occasionally substitute for teachers when invited to do so. Leon has retired several times and continues to consult in his field. The good Lord has blessed us and continues to do so and we are grateful. We have been fortunate to be able to travel to visit children and grand children as well as to many lovely places in this country and Europe. Our last trip was on a river cruise in Russia, which we thoroughly enjoyed. We spend most of our time in Atlanta but are fortunate to have a house in Metairie so we can come back "home" and nourish our roots with good friends in the place we both love to be.
Fortier Reunions attended: We've been able to attend all of the reunions for both classes of Fortier.....Leon's '53 and my '55.
Other personal comments: I am so thankful for the folks who work to organize the reunions. It is a labor of love and we owe you a big THANK YOU.
TravelingGG@aol.com