Jessica Whittaker   Jessica Whittaker (nee Allen), 85, of LaPorte, died on Feb. 25, 2010, following a brief illness.

   Jessica was born on Nov. 30, 1924, in Bolton, England, to Florence O’Neill Allen and Richard Allen. She grew up during the years before and during World War II and in spite of the great turmoil of that time, learned to love life through writing poetry, dancing and singing.

   She and her fiancé, Ted Whittaker, immigrated to the United States and were married in LaPorte at St.Paul’s Episcopal Church by Rev. Eric Pearson on Nov. 17, 1951.

   They raised their family in LaPorte, where she became active in her children’s education by becoming president of the Maple School PTA. She was also one of the earliest environmental activists and spoke out in support of clean air in LaPorte. As her children grew she went to work, first at Hilbish Drug and Danner’s stores and eventually at Whirlpool Corporation. She was also a longtime member of the St. Paul’s church choir.

   She is survived by her two sons, Professor Edward A Whittaker of Hoboken, NJ, and Dr. Michael H. Whittaker of Germantown, WI; her sister, Yvonne Gallagher of LaPorte; her granddaughters, Justine, Emma, Katie Beth, Arrianne, and Lauren; and her grandson, Michael.

   Her husband Ted and brother Richard preceded her in death.

   A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 6, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Tony Clavier officiating. Visitation will take place Friday, March 5, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. at Cutler Funeral Home, LaPorte, and on Saturday at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow the service in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

   Contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1000 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

   Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneral.com.