In Memory of Piper

She was born Piper Alison White, July 29, 1973 weighing a mere 5 lbs 13 oz. at Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, Ca. Piper may have entered this world as a very small person, but she became a monumental memory to those who met and knew her. She was a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, friend - a woman truly as unique as her name.

Piper had a happy disposition and a heart of gold.   She received her greatest pleasure from giving to others and was devoted to her friends, often helping them through difficult times. She also took a special interest in the children of family and friends. Even as young as 3 years old, Piper would pack up old toys at Christmas time to give to charity, saying that her toys were for the "Poor and Sad" people in the world. This spirit of generosity would be her leading edge throughout her life. In her early days in elementary school she would give away her lunch money to those who had none. Her caring and generous nature included animals, too. She had many pets when she was growing up and as an adult enjoyed working at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach helping to rescue and care for a number of seals.

For all her sense of caring and affection for others, Piper was also from a very early age, an independent girl. Her first steps were taken on a camping trip to Lake Nacimiento down an incline without help from anyone.   Her first day of nursery school was pure Piper. She was only two but was very clear that she wanted to go into the classroom by herself. Without a single tear, she sent her mom off to work with a quick good-bye and entered the room on her own. Mom followed her to reassure herself that everything would be okay, but Piper already knew that she would be fine. As she grew older, she enjoyed camping and traveling to places across the U.S. and Baja. The beach was a favorite place to visit as well as becoming her residence. Her love of the ocean stemmed from her early days spent with her Grandma in San Clemente, CA. Another favorite destination was the Colorado River.   Trips with her brother, Brandon, to the river and other places were highpoints for Piper. The tranquility of water environments always brought out the best in Piper.

Artistic and creative by nature, Piper designed and completed many art pieces for her family and friends. Gifted with extraordinary talent, her art ranged from fingernail art to sketching and painting to crafts such as mosaics and decorating vases. A Performance and Fine Arts enthusiast, Piper enjoyed concerts, art galleries, museums and plays which she was able to understand even at a very young age. Only 9 years old when she saw a performance of Don Quixote, Piper was able to analyze the characters and the storyline of the play. Cooking was another creative endeavor at which she excelled. Of course, Piper would always have to alter recipes so they would be tailor made for every special occasion.

Though she was a private person and never liked calling attention to herself, people were easily drawn to Piper and she had many loyal friends. Her friends were diverse as her interests young and old, male and female, from all walks of life. Piper always had a ready smile and a fun-loving nature that let you know, instantly, that you were going to have a good time. Whether it was Brownies when she was young, camping with family, roller skating, dancing or going to the beach, Piper's greatest joy was not just having adventures and new experiences, which were as important to her as breathing, but in sharing it all with family and friends. Wherever she went, whoever she was with, she created a warm and loving community. All of us who loved her treasure the wonderful memories of beautiful Piper Alison White that will live in our hearts and our dreams forever.

There are no words that more truly express our feelings for Piper than those of her mother: "I will always admire the sustained courage with which she fought her melanoma for over two years. She will be cherished forever by all of us who knew her. I am so proud to call Piper my daughter and am thankful, grateful, and appreciative that she was in my life."

Love you Forever My Dear Piper Alison.
Mom

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