Kathleen ‘Katie’ O’Gara White was the mother to 12 children. Some might say that was enough, however Mom desired more for herself and her children. 

Growing up Katie was the 6th of 7 children born to Thomas and Margaret McGinley O’Gara, immigrants from County Donegal, Ireland. They established their roots on the near east side on Oakland Avenue. Katie attended grade school at St. Philip Neri, high school at St. Mary Academy and received her diploma in Nursing from St. Vincent Hospital. While raising her children, she continued her quest for knowledge by attending Marion College to earn her bachelors degree and Indiana University to obtain her masters in nursing. 

The pillars of Katie’s life were her family, her Catholic faith, and her Irish heritage. Katie married Leo White on September 1, 1956. Together, they raised their family in Little Flower Parish. Along with being the mother of twelve children; she was a doting grandmother to 37; and great-grandmother of 5. She had always been an active and exacting teacher to her children, urging them to achieve ever-greater personal and professional goals. She was slow with praise and always had positive constructive criticism, traits passed on from her Irish heritage. She knew we were capable of doing better and led by a perfect example. 

As a member of St. Therese of the Little Flower Parish for more than 50 years, Katie’s faith was the bedrock of her existence. She attended daily mass to deepen her faith and to pray for loved ones. Katie remained the ever-present spirit at a bedside whenever an illness struck. She cared for many loved ones suffering from cancer including her husband, daughters, sisters, and brothers.

Katie’s Irish heritage and family was so important to her that she made certain that her husband and each of their children had the opportunity to make at least one trip to Ireland to visit family and see where their grandparents were raised. She loved helping to organize the McGinley-McHugh-O’Gara-Cunningham family reunion. Being with family was always a special time for her but these gatherings were extra special! Through her examples, we would witness what was truly important in life – faith, family, and service to others. 

We lost our hero on September 11th, 2019 two days after her 87th birthday. Although, dementia became a challenge in her last few years, it never took her compassion, cheer, or kind spirit. She continued to share her beautiful smile and to be a great friend to many. We tried to be there for her, like the example she showed us, when caring for others. We fell short Mom, because the twelve of us could not do what you yourself did as an individual for many over the years. Mom we will never forget the important lessons you taught us! While none of your 12 can hold a candle to you, we hope we make you proud. 

We would like to thank all those whom made generous donations in Mom’s honor. Because of your love and support, we are able to offer a second scholarship in her name this year! For all your thoughts and prayers and generous donations in honor of Mom’s passing this last September, we are grateful and realize how lucky we were to call her MOM! 

Mom, we love you and miss you! The Gang