For those of you fortunate enough to know Makena White, I am beyond saddened to inform you of her passing on Monday, September 22nd, 2025. Though her years with us were far too short, her impact on the people she met was significant. Her impact on the people that she loved is immeasurable.
Makena was born in Ottawa, where she attended St. Joseph High School, played Nepean Wildcat hockey and forged friendships too numerous to mention. She graduated from McMaster University with degrees in communications and software engineering. Makena applied her exceptional people skills in a sales career that eventually led her into the field of healthcare where she was able to fulfill one of her driving forces…to help people who needed help.
Stunningly beautiful, Makena could turn heads in a roomful of people, not just because of her looks but because her beauty emanated from her spirit for life. Adventurous, funny, passionate, impulsive and driven to get the most out of every experience, Makena was interested and interesting. To be loved by Makena was a gift: one that brought endless laughter, so much joy and a healthy dose of chaos. Keeping up with her travel schedule was a fulltime job. From a work conference in Europe, to a volunteer calling at an orphanage in Uganda, to a surgery in Peterborough, to The Masters…Makena loved to travel. It was pure joy simply to touch base with her to find out; “what is she up to now?”
More than, almost, anything Makena loved her dogs. Her high school graduation photo was classic “Makena”. There she was clad in cap and gown with Lola beside her, also in cap and gown, as she convinced the photographer that; “the principal said it was ok”. More recently her precious Fergie and Nelly provided endless joy and comfort to Makena.
Makena will be dearly missed every single day by her Dad, Mark White, her uncles, aunts, cousins and her countless friends and colleagues who are fortunate enough to be touched by her radiant spirit. Makena was pre-deceased by her Mother, Crystal Barrington in 2022.
A Celebration of Makena’s Life will be held at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue in Ottawa, on Thursday October 2nd at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held Wednesday October 1st from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. also at Beechwood. Please wear yellow in her honor.
In lieu of flowers, Makena would love it if donations were made in her honor to The Bruyère Health Memory Clinic or The Griffin Bell Golden Endowment Fund at CHEO Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Sabina Kukurudziak
Alicia TJ
I have only had the pleasure to meet/work with Makena when she would visit the hospital I work at through her work. She always came to the hospital with a smile on face, always eager to help the staff.
My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends, she will be missed.
Erin Bonafiglia
Dear Makena, what an absolute beautiful soul you are. From the first moment I met you, I adored you. Your beauty was undeniable, but it was your ability to draw everybody in that made you truly beautiful. Your light and your love and your infectious fun outgoing ways made everyone around you want to be in your inner circle. You were the first person my daughter met in university and became her roommate and started what you fondly referred to as your eight month sleepover. The connection between the two of you was instantaneous and I will never forget Emma calling and telling me that you were best friends. This was maybe an hour after I left her with you. This is just who you were. You gave selflessly to those around you, you shared your bigger than life personality and made everything fun. You were there for Emma in some very tough times. You knew exactly what she needed. And for that I am forever grateful.
Mark, my heart breaks for you. Everyone who knew you knew the relationship that you had with your beautiful daughter. The love between the two of you was evident for anyone to see. From our entire family, please know that she will never be forgotten. We are blessed to have been a part of her love and her life and her light. And we are truly sorry and deeply saddened at her passing.
Coleman Swartz
Mark and family- incredibly sorry to learn of Makena's tragic passing. Clearly a remarkable person, taken far too soon. My thoughts are with you.
Annamaria Licandro
Words feel so small in the face of such a heartbreaking loss. Makena, you were so loved and will be forever missed. I had the privilege of knowing Makena since kindergarten, and from the time we were little, she carried such a generous and selfless spirit. She was always the first to offer comfort, the first to lend a listening ear, and somehow always knew how to make people laugh. Every time I saw a post on Instagram from Makena, I knew it was going to be something hilarious. I looked forward to all of her wild stories.
In high school, Makena’s kindness made her a friend to everyone. She had a natural way of drawing people in and making them feel seen and cared for. Anyone who met her couldn’t help but love her.
Makena, your light was one of a kind. You will never be forgotten, and the happiness you brought to so many lives will live on forever. My heart and prayers are with the White family during this time. Rest in paradise, sweet girl 💛
Virginia Harris
Mark, I am very, very sorry of your great loss. You are in my heart and in my prayers during this sad time. I remember Makena being a source of much joy to her Grandma Joan.
Bob & Barbara Walker
Our deepest condolences to Family and Friends !
Rob Quinn
Mark, such a tragic loss for you and your family. My family and I are thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time.
Glenn Sparkes
Mark,
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of your precious Makena. On behalf of myself and the entire Sparkes' family, please accept our sincerest condolences, love and prayers as you navigate through this very difficult time.
Angelo Licari
Heaven just gained the gift of your incredible humour, Mak - and I know Crystal must be feeling so lucky to laugh and dance with you again. I will forever love and cherish our friendship. Love you endlessly.
Makena truly was a light in every single room. From being my very first friend in girls hockey, to a teammate for life, my partner in mischief at Play It Again Sports, and my favourite country concert companion. Every memory with Mak was full of giggles and happiness. Being your friend for the last 20 years has been an absolute joy and honour. I’ll miss you forever buddy.
Love always,
Sab (Kuks)