Arlene Helen Whittaker passed away on February 22, 2025, at UF Health Spanish Plaines Hospital following a long battle with multiple complicated illnesses.
Arlene was born on November 25, 1943, to Walfred Eli Hakomaki and Helen Lucille Nelson (Hakomaki, later Petoletti) in Duluth, Minnesota. She was the eldest of two daughters and was thick-as-thieves with her beloved younger sister and best friend, Jean. During her childhood and teenage years, she thrived in school and social settings, laying the groundwork for the “social butterfly” personality she would be so well-known for throughout her life. Her warm and welcoming nature quickly turned strangers into friends, and she had an incredible way of making anyone and everyone feel special while in her presence. She graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1961 and went on to earn her Associate’s Degree as a Medical Secretary.
Arlene was also stunningly beautiful, which caught the attention of her future husband and the love of her life, Thomas Allen Whittaker, in 1958. They were best friends and enjoyed 56 years of wedded bliss. They tied the knot on February 1, 1964, and welcomed their first child, Todd, later that year. In the years to follow they added three more children to their family: Dan, adopted from Korea in 1976, Elizabeth born in 1978, and Ann-marie born in 1981. Arlene was a wonderful mother and was deeply loved by her kids. Her unconditional love and support never wavered, and she cherished the close relationships she had with all her children.
Their busy family moved around the country, living in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Northern Virginia, eventually returning to Minnesota in 1982, and finally made their way back home to Duluth in the 1990’s. It was around this time that Arlene would be promoted to Grandma, yet another cherished role. She was pure magic to her five grandchildren: Leeanne, Joe, Paul, Mark, and finally Thomas who was born in 2019. She never missed an important event, and even frequented sports games, choir and band concerts and Grandparents’ Days at school. Arlene and Tom hosted Christmas and the Fourth of July at their home on Pike Lake for many, many years, and Arlene made the holidays unforgettable for all, putting together beautiful decorations and huge, delicious meals. She’d always be the last to sit down and enjoy the fruits of her labor, and we hope she knew how much her family appreciated the hard work and dedication she put into making such wonderful memories for us all.
Arlene had a myriad of wonderful friends and loved spending time with them while enjoying her many hobbies and interests. She was a passionate golfer, playing countless rounds with Tom and their friends in Duluth, Leesburg, and many other locations amidst their world travels. She was also an avid reader, gardener, baker, card player, bowler and dedicated volunteer at the Damiano Center in Duluth. She deeply loved the Lord and was devoted to her church homes, First Lutheran Church in Duluth and Morrison United Methodist Church in Florida, participating in Bible studies, meals and movie nights for homeless teenagers and Ruth Circle. During her years in Leesburg, FL, she was renowned for her baking skills and spent many afternoons enjoying muffins, cookies and conversations with her neighbors and friends. She leaves a lasting impact and will be greatly missed in her social circles and church congregations.
Arlene is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom, and her parents, Wally and Helen. She is survived by her son Todd (Lisa) Whittaker, daughter Elizabeth (James) Allan, son Daniel Whittaker, daughter Ann-marie Whittaker, sister Jean (Steve) Hennessy, and grandchildren Leeanne, Joseph, Paul, Mark and Thomas.