The first woman to hold the office of Mayor in Doylestown Borough died June 30, her birthday. Elizabeth “Libby” White was 87.
White is believed to also have been the town’s first Democratic mayor, at least since the Civil War.
Unlike some mayoral candidates, White campaigned the old-fashioned way, said her son, Eric White. “She knocked on a lot of doors and introduced herself to people. Everyone thought she was nice, but no one thought she would win.”
But, White did win and went on to serve two successful terms, from 2006 to 2013.
She was instrumental in a number of initiatives, including her role in creating the Central Bucks Regional Police Department, said Borough Manager John Davis, calling it, “her most significant legacy.”
And, he added, “It was an honor and a pleasure serving with this gracious lady and true trail blazer.”
White was also involved with other significant borough projects, including construction and location of the newest courthouse and the early stages of transforming the PennDOT maintenance yard on North Broad Street into a park and new borough administration center and regional police headquarters.
“When she saw something needed to be done, she did it,” said her son, Eric White, in a phone interview.
During her eight years as mayor, White’s family said she was “delighted” to perform more than 300 weddings.
White also helped create the Doylestown Commission for All Ages, to encourage people of different generations to interact and share in activities together. She worked to get rid of litter in the community with her Clean and Green project.
In her final mayor’s report to the borough, White said, “Doylestown will always be very much in my heart.”
White moved to the borough in 1964 with her husband, Lou, who was also deeply involved in Doylestown. The two were married for almost 60 years. In addition to Eric, they also have a son, Doug White.
In remembering his mother in a social media post, Eric said, “She was kind and caring, but could be ferocious for those she loved. And she loved many. I never heard her make a disparaging remark about anyone (except the most recent former president),” wrote White.
“I will miss her, of course, and weep for my loss. But I’ll also smile at the memories of vacations as a family when we were all much younger, the sound of her practicing Chopin on her piano, playing Irish folk music on her harp, drinking iced tea on a humid summer day, chasing a baby Alex down the hall of Leigh’s and my apartment, both of them giggling.
“This Thursday and Friday, we’ll say goodbye to her, but the memories will last the rest of my days.”
Visiting hours will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. July 7 in the Celtic Cross Room at Doylestown Presbyterian Church, 127 E. Court St. Additional visiting hours will be held at 10 a.m. July 8, followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Garden at Pine Run via the Doylestown Health Foundation, 595 W. State St., Doylestown, Pa. 18901.
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