Louise Immaculata Whittaker

December 8, 1942 – September 1, 2026

Louise Immaculata Whittaker, 83, of Manhattan, New York, passed away on September 1, 2026, in Delray Beach, Florida.

Louise was born in Manhattan, New York, on December 8, 1942, to Margie Puglisi and Dominick Butingaro. She attended school in North Miami and later graduated from Barry University.

On April 2, 1981, Louise married Warren Richard-Peter Whittaker in a beautiful ceremony on Biscayne Bay in Miami Beach, Florida. Together, they shared a life filled with family, friendships, laughter, celebrations, and countless memories.

Louise dedicated more than 20 years of her life to education as a science teacher, first at Madie Ives and later at Miami Lakes Middle School. She brought her intelligence, energy, humor, and unmistakable personality into her work and touched the lives of many students throughout her career.

Those who knew Louise will remember her as a truly unforgettable woman. She was outgoing, intellectual, magnetic, funny, talented, strong, and incredibly social. A true social butterfly, Louise loved being surrounded by the ones she loved and had a remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel part of the moment. She was wonderfully herself, quick wit, and a playful sense of humor.

Above all, Louise loved her family and friends. She celebrated the people in her life, created traditions, brought people together, and lived with a sense of curiosity, style, humor, and strength that made her completely one of a kind.

Louise is survived by her beloved husband, Warren Richard-Peter Whittaker; her two sons, John Battaglia and Steve Battaglia; and her granddaughter, Rachel Battaglia as well as extended family and many dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Margie Puglisi and Dominick Butingaro.

A Wake and Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 3:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fred Hunter Funeral Home, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Nativity Catholic Church, 5220 Johnson Street, Hollywood, Florida 33021. Burial will immediately follow at Fred Hunter Funeral Home, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of the doctors, nurses, caregivers, family, and friends who provided Louise with love, compassion, and care throughout her final days. Their kindness and support will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.

Louise leaves behind more than memories. She leaves behind laughter, stories, traditions, friendships, lessons, and a lifetime of love. Her presence was larger than life, and the mark she left on the people who knew her will never fade.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

Visitation will be held at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL 33024, US, on September 13, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Nativity Catholic Parish, 5220 Johnson St, Hollywood, FL 33021, US, on September 14, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:15 am.

A Committal Service will follow at Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens, 6301 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024, US, on September 14, 2026, from 11:40 am to 12:00 pm.