Doreen Ida (Batchelder) White, 89, St. Johnsbury, VT, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, after a period of declining health.

Doreen was born at home in East Burke, VT, on January 11, 1937, to the late Harold and Beatrice (Hackett) Batchelder. She attended Groton Village School, and while she left before graduation, she was incredibly proud to return to her studies later in life to earn her GED—a testament to her lifelong belief in the value of education.

A woman of strong work ethic and dedication, Doreen spent 10 years serving as a para-educator at Blue Mountain Union (BMU) before embarking on a 19-year career with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. Following her retirement, she moved to Barnet to be closer to her children. After the passing of her second husband, Doreen joined the staff at Barnet Elementary School for another five years.

Doreen was deeply rooted in her community. She was a faithful member of the South Ryegate Presbyterian Church and a familiar, friendly face at the West Barnet Senior Meal Site, where she spent many hours volunteering. She also cherished the friendship and laughter found within her "Chat and Chew" group.

Her heart belonged to her family. Doreen often said her children and great-grandchildren "made her world go around." She felt profoundly blessed by the family and friends she gathered over the years and wished to express her deepest gratitude to her daughter Gwen and son-in-law William for their unwavering care and help. Reflecting on her later years, she shared:

"I missed out on spending time with my grandchildren because I had to work full-time after their father died. What a blessing it has been to have a second chance with my great-grands."

Doreen was predeceased by her first husband, Guy Conrad Williams (d. 1961), and her second husband, Lyle White (d. 1996).

She is survived by her daughter, Gwen Pearl and husband William of Barnet, VT; her son, Mark Williams and wife Cindy of Lyndonville, VT; and nine grandchildren: Christopher Pearl (Johnna), Daniel Pearl (Liz), Tiffany Carr (Michael), Melissa Kempton, Aubrey Purdue (Zachary), Zachary Williams, Anthony Williams (Angela), Tauna Williams, and Eric Williams. She also leaves behind Leah and Gail, the ex-wives of her grandsons; 14 great-grandchildren (with another joyfully expected soon); and one great-great-grandchild.

In addition to her husbands and parents, she was predeceased by two sons, Tony Williams and Michael Williams; four brothers, Everette Batchelder, Easton Batchelder, Ernest Batchelder, and Earl Hackett; and two sisters, Laura Giroux and Lottie Winchester.

Doreen will be remembered for her resilience, her dedication to her community, and the profound love she showered upon the generations that followed her.

There will be a graveside service on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10 AM at Groton Village Cemetery, Groton, VT.