Mary Ann White publishes Cochecton reflections

Former Reilly’s Ice Cream proprietor still spreading joy

By SANDY LONG

COCHECTON, NY — If Robert White could see the result of his wife’s latest creative endeavor—the publishing of “Reflections from Cochecton” — he’d be mighty proud. “In loving memory of Rob for never denying my ‘space’ to explore my whims of creativity,” reads the book’s dedication.

After supporting Mary Ann through 14 years of recurring breast cancer, Rob succumbed to pancreatic cancer. But throughout the years they shared together, he always encouraged Mary Ann’s creative interests, even purchasing a potter’s wheel and kiln for her.

Rob’s own creativity was expressed through skilled woodworking. Heirloom quality cabinetry crafted from a cherry tree harvested between Hortonville and Callicoon, graces the couple’s kitchen in their Cochecton home. Rob also made wooden toys, cradles, rocking horses and rocking chairs.

Just next door was their most famous venture—Reilly’s Ice Cream, which the couple ran for six years during the 90’s. Area residents still reminisce fondly about the sweet treats enjoyed there. A museum containing many local artifacts and artwork contributed to the charm of a trip to Reilly’s on a sultry summer evening.

Despite battling breast cancer and undergoing a stem cell transplant, Mary Ann continued to cook the homemade pies, cakes, cookies and brownies that brought folks in from far away and right nearby. Even celebrities like author Malachy McCourt and actress Debra Winger came for the luscious Welsh’s ice cream. A community favorite was the “Uncle Bob Special,” a confection composed of rice pudding, strawberries, ice cream and whipped cream.

All of it brought smiles and a homespun sense of community, a simple sort of joy and connection seldom experienced, though often longed-for, today. “One thing I really liked about the store was selling something people really enjoyed,” White said.

White’s new book accomplishes a similar result. As readers amble through its pages, the pleasing images of nature’s beauty and bygone days in the Delaware River Valley bestow a sense of peace.

“I love the change of seasons and the spectacular surroundings here,” said White, who, despite making several cross-country trips with Rob in a small RV, still maintains that one needn’t go far to find beautiful subjects to photograph. “Coming home is one of the greatest parts of travel,” said White, who has always made it a point, when photographing, to get up early in order to capture fleeting images created by frost or early light.

Asked how she feels about becoming a newly published author at the age of 64, White replied, “It hasn’t sunk in yet. But it’s great to hear, ‘We sold 10 of your books; can you bring 10 more?’”

Mary Ann continues to survive the cancer, which has recurred now in her throat. But as ever, she’s not letting this slow her down. She is working with her son, Bob, on a collection of her famous cookie recipes, to be published in the near future. And based upon the glowing comments of community members who fondly remember enjoying White’s renowned baked goods at Reilly’s, it’s sure to be a best seller.

“Reflections from Cochecton” is available at the following locations: The Secret Garden in Jeffersonville, Jerico Fine Arts Gallery and Cranberry Patch in Callicoon, Lake Shore Luncheonette in Lake Huntington, Signature Gifts at the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance and 4 Corners of Artful Living in Narrowsburg.