Alice Elizabeth White Goldstein, 75, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away at home on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born on May 21, 1950, in Suffolk, Virginia, Alice was the daughter of John Edward White and Mamie Vick White, both of whom preceded her in death. She grew up on the family farm in the Bennet’s Creek area at the end of what was then a long and isolated road — Bob White Lane, named for her father’s nickname. Life on the farm shaped her deeply, instilling in her a love of animals, the outdoors, and the quiet rhythms of rural life.
Before becoming a full-time mother, Alice worked for many years as a dedicated medical assistant, caring for patients with steadiness, skill, and compassion. Her commitment to helping others was a defining part of her life.
To her husband, she was affectionately known as “Ali.” To her nieces, she was “Bet-Bet,” a name drawn from her middle name, Elizabeth. To others, she was Alice, and to her daughter, she was Mom. Her daughter and her nieces were the great joys of her life. Alice formed especially close bonds with her nieces, celebrating their milestones, nurturing their interests, and being a constant source of encouragement and affection throughout their lives. She was the first in her family to discover a passion for horseback riding, a love she proudly passed down to them and which continues in the next generation.
Ali was an inveterate sender of greeting cards, never missing a birthday or special occasion. She created many of her own cards and playfully referred to her personal “company” as the Fanny and Molly Press, a reflection of her warmth, humor, and creativity.
In addition to the profound love she had for her family, Alice was devoted to the many dogs who were part of her life over the years, each one bringing her joy and companionship.
Alice is survived by her husband, Mark Goldstein, and her daughter, Ellie Goldstein. She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Barbara (White) Winslow and Linda (White) Knight; her cousin and close friend, Janet Gregory; her sisters-in-law, Ivy Goldstein and Pam Hunt; and her cherished nieces Lindy Stevens, Liz Anne Gosey, Lee Adams, and Arlene Potts, along with many grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and great-grand-nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Rabbi Gurdin for his guidance during this time, and to Adrie Gambol, Alice’s primary companion in her final months, whose care and dedication brought comfort and dignity to her last days.
A graveside funeral service will be held Sunday at 11:00 AM at the Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula, located off Kecoughtan Road in Hampton. After the service, family and friends are invited to a reception at her home.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the Peninsula SPCA, reflecting Alice’s lifelong love of animals. Alice’s warmth, devotion, and gentle spirit will be remembered always by those who knew and loved her.