Dana A. (Parello) Whittie, age 70, of Woburn, Massachusetts died peacefully on Thursday, April 14 surrounded by family. Dana was the daughter of the late Anthony Parello and Virginia (Bruens) Parello, and grew up in Revere, MA as the fourth of five children.
She joined the workforce early and worked as a hairdresser and secretary. Dana married the late George Whittie, the love of her life, and moved to Woburn where she lived for the next 30+ years. Dana raised three daughters and made sure they had the educational opportunities that were out of reach for her. Dana continued her career and became a florist and an Administrative Assistant at Lahey Clinic before finding her true professional calling as a treasured member of the Arlington Council on Aging as their Receptionist, providing trusted support to hundreds of older residents.
A loyal and generous person who touched many lives, Dana was a passionate foodie and an accomplished cook who always found a way to give from the heart; it was not uncommon for her to prepare soups and desserts for friends going through hard times.
Dana is survived by her daughters Rebecca Wareing and her husband Richard Wareing of Connecticut, Lori (Walker) Jerram of New Hampshire, and Katie Whittie Smith and her husband James Smith of North Carolina; her grandchildren Nathaniel Jerram, Hannah Jerram and Jacob Smith, and her brother Michael Parello of Tewksbury, Massachusetts. She was predeceased by her husband George Whittie, and her siblings Joseph Parello, Roberta Parello and Stephen Parello. The world will miss her legendary carrot cake, her feistiness, sense of humor and warm heart.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on what would have been her 71st, birthday at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Thursday, April 21st, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 2 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at Calvary Cemetery, Winchester. To honor Dana's legacy the family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations with a memo of "in memory of Dana" can be made to the Arlington Council on Aging, 27 Maple St., Arlington MA 02476.