Arlene L. Bessette

Arlene Louise (Lortie) Bessette, 75, beloved wife of Donald Bessette who predeceased her in 2006, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at her home in Chicopee with her loving family at her side.

Arlene was born on September 18, 1950, in Westfield, MA, the daughter of the late Paul and Marion (Demers) Lortie.

She was raised and educated in Chicopee and attended Chicopee High School. Arlene was a graduate of the Mansfield Beauty Academy in Springfield, MA.

Arlene was most recently employed as an Inspector at Eastern Etching in Chicopee. Prior to this, she was employed as a hairdresser, florist, bartender, and manager of the Crafter’s Gallery in Chicopee, all occupations she enjoyed.

Arlene had many interests and hobbies that included, listening to oldies music, dancing, singing, gardening, and spending time with family at her favorite beaches on Cape Cod. She especially took great pride and care in decorating her home, which displayed her exemplary taste and talent for interior design.

Besides her husband, Donald, she was predeceased by her brother, William Lortie, her sister, Kathleen Lortie, her grandson Timothy Rufo, and her brother-in-law, Daniel Peloquin.

Arlene leaves behind her two loving sons, Brian and Gregory Duffy of Chicopee; her brother Paul Lortie of Maine; her two sisters with whom she enjoyed spending time, Carolyn Ann Drost and her husband Edward, and Joanne M. Peloquin, all of Chicopee; two granddaughters, Ashley Rufo and Jordan Duffy, a great-grandson, Landon; several nieces and nephews; her aunt, Janet Woods, and her former husband, Gregory Duffy.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, December 12, for a period of visitation for Arlene from 10 AM – 12:00 noon, at Brunelle Funeral Home, 811 Chicopee Street, Chicopee, followed by a prayer service at 12 noon in the funeral home.

Burial will follow immediately after the prayer service at St. Rose de Lima Cemetery in Chicopee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. For more information and online guestbook, please visit www.brunellefuneralhome.com