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Celebrating the life of Irene Adele White.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, Irene Adele White, who served the nation during World War II as a member of the United States Army Signal Corps in Arlington, died on November 13, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Irene White attended schools in Denver, Colorado, then finished her high school education at The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York; she subsequently earned a bachelor's degree from Smith College in Massachusetts, where she pursued studies in mathematics and music; and
WHEREAS, at a time when women's contributions to national security were largely unrecognized, Irene White answered the call to serve the nation during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Irene White was stationed in Arlington with the United States Army Signal Corps at the historic Arlington Hall building, which is now part of the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center campus; and
WHEREAS, Irene White worked with several other women as cryptanalytic aides, becoming known as the “Code Girls”; in accordance with the secrecy required of her position, she faithfully upheld her oath and never spoke of her vital work decrypting enemy communications, and it was only through recently confirmed records from the National Archives that her family learned of her courageous and indispensable wartime service; and
WHEREAS, throughout her life, Irene White exemplified extraordinary devotion to her family; when her young son contracted polio before vaccines were available, she refused to leave his side despite grave personal risk, ultimately contracting the disease herself and living the remainder of her life with leg braces, yet never once complaining of her sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, despite physical hardship, Irene White remained steadfast in her commitment to her community, contributing her time and leadership to numerous charitable and civic organizations, including the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by the love of her life and husband of 59 years, Eliot, Irene White is fondly remembered and greatly missed by her sons, William, Bob, and Ron, and their families, along with numerous other family members and friends; and
WHEREAS, Irene White instilled in her family the enduring values of resilience, humility, and service to others; her legacy of public service lives on through her children and grandchildren, including her granddaughter, Meg, whose diplomatic career brought her to the very building where her grandmother once quietly safeguarded the nation's security; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Irene Adele White, who inspired others through her patriotic service to the nation, unwavering commitment to her family, and dedication to supporting her community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Irene Adele White as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.