JEANINE WHITE DELAGE

Jeanine Marie White Delage, 28, died July 24, 2005, at her home in Heidelberg, Germany.

She was working as a faculty liaison for the University of Phoenix at the time of her death.

Ms. Delage was born Jan. 6, 1977, in Palmer, the first baby born in Valley Hospital that year and a third-generation Alaskan.

She spent her earliest years at Sheep Mountain, northeast of Palmer, where she acquired the affectionate nickname "Wild Thing," which followed her throughout her life. In 1982 she moved with her family to Fairbanks, where she attended grade school.

She was an active, adventurous kid with many interests.

Ms. Delage played the piano and flute, rode horses at Wynnfromere Farms, participated in barrel racing and other events at the Alaska State Fair, learned karate and modern dance and participated in modeling events and drama club.

Her family wrote, "She never lacked for something to do and was full of moxie."

Back at Sheep Mountain in 1989, she spent her junior high years at Glacier View School, Mile 103 Glenn Hwy. She graduated from Palmer High School in 1995.

Being restless and wanting to prove herself, she left Alaska in 1998 and ended up in Phoenix, where she went back to school and eventually earned her bachelor's degree in business marketing from the University of Phoenix. She also worked for the university as academic affairs supervisor until her transfer to Germany.

Ms. Delage was beginning her master's program in criminal justice at the time of her death. Her ambition was to go to law school, although she laughed that she would probably never make any money being a lawyer because she "would always be helping people who couldn't pay."

Her family wrote, "She had a compassionate side and was generous to a fault when she saw real need. She will be remembered for her intelligence and up-front spirit, her quick wit, sense of humor, and her fine grasp of the ironic.

"She understood the world to be a good but often difficult place, full of contradictions. She knew this also to be true of herself. She knew if she worked hard enough she would find a 'noble cause.'

"She was raised without prejudice and knew there was no place for it in her life.

"Those who knew her and loved her the most knew she was a unique and complex person. She was a firm believer in 'free will.' She often challenged herself, and those around her, by not taking the high road, instead choosing to venture close to the edge.

"She never blamed anyone for her shortcomings. She believed in God and had a spiritual side. Her early passing has broken many hearts and she will be

greatly missed."

Ms. Delage is survived by her parents, Jon and Colleen White of Sheep Mountain; grandparents, W. Richard and Dorothea White of San Antonio, Texas; grandmother, Onnolee O'Neill of Anchorage; brothers and their spouses, Clyde, Joe and Michael of California; sisters and their spouses, Renee of Michigan, Bernadette of Arizona, and Patricia of Palmer, and 19 nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her uncles, Richard White of Delcambre, La., Michael and Harry O'Neill of Wasilla, Ed O'Neill of Anchorage; aunt, Theresa Speer of Ohio, and 14 cousins.

She had many friends who remember her, especially her constant companion, Tony Walton, who lived with her in Germany.

She leaves an ex-husband, Michael Delage, in Phoenix.

She was preceded in death by her loving grandfather, Michael J. O'Neill, just last March.

A memorial service will be held Aug. 12 at 10 a.m. at the White family home, Mile 114 Glenn Hwy.

Afterward, those who wish may join the family in scattering her ashes off the top of Lion's Head. The rest of the day will be dedicated to a potluck and campfire.