PORTLAND, Oregon — The longtime leader of Portland nonprofit Mother + Child Education Center has died.
Maura White passed away Monday morning after suffering complications from pneumonia according to colleagues. White was 61-years-old and served as the executive director at Mother + Child for ten years. She stepped down last summer due to health challenges according to Jessica Rengo, who took over as executive director.
"Maura was more than a boss," said Rengo. "She was more than a friend, she was all of our support, she advocated for people."
The nonprofit tucked in Northeast Portland's Hollywood District is often a haven for young or expectant mothers in need — but serves anybody in care of a child. It provides help through childcare classes, connections to resources or supplies like diapers and formula. In 2022, a product recall triggered a nationwide supply shortage of baby formula. White expressed concern for families in search of baby formula, many of whom the organization helped.
"Imagine you're a low-income mom and you really need that formula," White told KGW in 2022. "You can't find it anywhere. You have to carry your baby around from bus, to bus, to bus, to try to go to stores."
Mother + Child Education Center relies on donations to serve community members. White was always grateful for those who gave to the organization.
"Each time we see another post, it's hard not to cry because it's very heartfelt," said White, referencing an influx of support for the organization.
Now, many people are making donations to Mother + Child in honor of White. Hundreds of others are sharing pictures and stories of how she touched their lives.
"It's amazing to see the impact," said Rengo. "It grows and grows and grows."
Dick Barsotti is on the board of directors for Mother + Child Education Center and is a retired pediatrician. He noted the first three years of a child's life are critical for their development — something he said White was aware of. White prided herself in providing children's books to everyone who dropped in to help their child learn.
"She was just such a giving person to everybody," said Barsotti. "What works here I know will have ripple effects down the way for so many families."
Rengo said she's trying to carry on White's legacy by loving and seeing people the way she did.
"Maura made everyone feel incredible," said Rengo. "I hope she knows how much she's loved."