DARCY LYNN WHITE
October 28, 1959 — December 4, 2024
Portland, Oregon

Darcy Lynn White, a cherished sister, proud “Tia,” gifted musician, and dedicated healthcare professional, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 65. She was born on October 28, 1959, and her life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of love and community.

The youngest of four siblings, Darcy grew up surrounded by the love and laughter of her musical family. Holiday memories were filled with spontaneous concerts that became cherished traditions, showcasing the family’s shared joy in music. Darcy was also proud of her Canadian heritage as a first-generation American, with strong family ties to Canada. Many fond childhood memories involved trips north to visit her large extended family of cousins and relatives who remain in Canada. This connection to her roots deeply influenced her warmth and sense of humor.

A gifted musician and award-winning pianist in Portland for 41 years, Darcy worked with many esteemed theater companies, including Broadway Rose Theatre Company, Lakewood Theatre, Oregon Children's Theatre, and so many others. Her talent and commitment as an accompanist and music director made her a cherished collaborator and mentor, leaving a lasting impact on the Portland musical theatre community.  Darcy’s love for the cabaret art form was first realized when she was invited to be Music Director for Cabaret Chanteuse from 2011 to 2014. This discovered passion for cabaret led to the founding of Cabaret White in 2017, a project that became one of her signature achievements and a hallmark of her creative legacy.

With Cabaret White, she created a space where great music, talented artists, and a warm atmosphere came together to offer her audience a perfect evening. As an emcee and host, her comedic timing and sharp wit were unmatched, bringing humor and energy to every performance. She had a famous "no children" policy at her shows and just enough saltiness to keep us all on our toes. With Darcy gone, the world has lost a little of its spice and a bright spark that enlivened every room she entered. 

In addition to her musical accomplishments, Darcy built a remarkable career in healthcare, working as a psychiatric nurse with adolescents in drug and alcohol rehab, volunteering for the annual Lung Cancer Research “Free to Breathe” Walk, and most recently serving as Senior Manager of Provider Relations & Behavioral Health Network at Providence Health Plans. Her compassionate leadership and commitment to improving care impacted countless lives. 

Diagnosed with lung cancer at 49, she faced it with strength and humor and refused to let it define her. “I am more than my cancer diagnosis,” she often said.  Whether as a sister, aunt, friend, musician, music director, accompanist, conductor, nurse, or healthcare leader, Darcy’s multifaceted talents and generous spirit left an indelible mark on every life she touched.  She lived a life defined by unwavering resilience, a deep love for her family and friends, and an enduring passion for music, theater, and community.

Darcy is survived by her siblings: sisters Cherie Shaver (husband Mike Shaver), Sam Earle (husband Ben Earle), and brother Craig White (wife Vicki White). She was also a devoted “Tia” to her nieces Marissa Shaver Gilburd, Courtney Shaver Zariczny, Chelsea White Meservey, and nephews Ian Earle, Cameron Earle Panfely, Brendon White, Kendrick White and Colin White. She was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Freda White.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025, at Broadway Rose Theatre in Tigard, Oregon. A private memorial for family and close friends will take place at 5 PM, followed by a public Cabaret White Grand Finale celebration at 7 PM, where the public is invited to gather for one last Cabaret White. For more details, please join the Cabaret White email list below.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to organizations supporting the American Lung Association, Lung Cancer Research Foundation, or your favorite local arts programs.