Arlene M. (Ferreira) Whittaker

Arlene M. (Ferreira) Whittaker, 88, of Brockton, recently of Pembroke, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026. Born in Boston and a native of Provincetown, she was the daughter of the late Jesse and Rosemarie (Dears) Ferreira. Arlene worked as a matron for the Brockton Police Department from 1973-1998. After her retirement, she worked per diem for the Randolph and Abington Police Departments and for the Plymouth County Sheriff Department.

A woman who cherished the simple pleasures in life, Arlene loved going out for a bite to eat with friends and family and never said no to an ice cream. She also treasured her vacations to Hawaii, where she found joy and relaxation with those she loved. Adored by many, she was a surrogate Nana to countless others who were lucky enough to know her.

Arlene was the beloved mother of James R. Whittaker of Brant Rock, and the late Patricia Ann (Whittaker) Zarella; mother-in-law of Joseph Zarella of Putney, VT; cherished grandmother of Joeylynn Whittaker of Brockton, Amanda Zarella of Putney, VT, Ashley Zarella of Redondo Beach, CA, Jesse Whittaker of Quincy, James Whittaker of New Bedford, Jocelyn Whittaker of Brant Rock, and the late James Jesse Whittaker; loving great-grandmother of Jayde Whittaker, Madison Maynard, Justin Maynard, and James Whittaker; and the sister of Gordon Ferreira.

All are welcome to calling hours on Thursday, April 16th from 4-7 p.m. at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St., Brockton, her funeral from Waitt Funeral Home on Friday, April 17th at 11 a.m., funeral Mass at 12 noon at St. Patrick Church, 335 Main St., Brockton. Her burial at Calvary Cemetery will be at a later date. Please wear your favorite shade of purple in honor of Arlene.

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