Ada B. White, 87, passed away on Thursday (September 10, 2026) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville following a brief illness.
Ada was born on January 1, 1939 in Newton, MA to George and Susan (Taliano) Babson. She was a 1957 graduate of Newton High School. She went on to earn her Associates of Science at Alfred State College, her Bachelors of Science in Education from SUNY at Geneseo and her Master’s of Science in Reading from Alfred University. On July 25, 1958, she married Ronald Cushman, who predeceased her on August 14, 2003.
Ada taught first grade at Alfred-Almond Central School in Almond for 30 years, retiring in 2003. During the 1980’s and 1990’s, she co-owned with Faith Trotta and Helen Spencer the Alfred Fitness, scheduling local schools and senior centers with exercise programs.
Ada is survived by three children, Douglas Cushman and Jill (Reid) Hubbard, both of Hornell and Ronda Cushman of Andover; one sister, Suellen Reagan of Illinois; five grandchildren, Jessica Cushman, Ivy Barboza, Jodi Hubbard, Sophia Hubbard and Grace McCollumn; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by three siblings, Jody Babson, Roger Babson and Jimmy Babson; her second husband, Rick White and her life partner, Gary Widler.
Ada’s three great loves were cooking, art and teaching, and she was very good with each. She was able to express herself through the mediums of cooking and art, but it was her love of teaching that completed the process of investing herself in the lives of others. For her, ultimately, it was about family, friends and students that brought her fulfillment.
Ada would spend weeks preparing for the big holidays of Christmas, Thanksgiving and Fourth of July. As the big day drew near she enjoyed her kitchen duties of baking cookies, preparing the many side dishes and finally focusing on the main meal, usually an Italian recipe. Her homemade ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs and Italian bread were family favorites. Her daughters fondly reminisce about baking together with their mom in the kitchen. And her chocolate chip cookies were hands down the best in the world simply because they came from Grada’s kitchen.
Ada’s other passion was her artistic endeavors, especially her drawings and pottery. She enjoyed intricate painting and Zen doodling. Her poppy flower series found homes all over the United States. She was a long-time member of the Wellsville Creative Arts Center where she honed her skills in pottery and found herself in the community of other aspiring artists.
Ada liked to travel and watch movies and shows, always with family. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. On her refrigerator hangs this quote:
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming… “WOO-HOO…what a ride!’
In keeping with this, Ada’s wishes are for a Celebration of Life Ceremony at her home on Saturday (September 26) from noon to 4pm.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Ada’s name may be made to Wellsville Creative Arts Center, 124 N. Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. © 2026 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
