PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Arlene J. Betters, 69, of 8 Chatham St. passed away Saturday, May 28, 2016, at Berkshire Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Born on March 25, 1947, in Pittsfield, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Elsie O'Brien Betters. She was educated in Pittsfield schools and was a 1965 graduate of Pittsfield High School. She also attended Berkshire Community College. 

Arlene was employed as a Critical Care Staff member at the Valley Head School for Girls. She retired in 1980. 

She was a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. She enjoyed bowling, family gatherings and coloring large posters for family and friends. She also loved movies and her parrot "Scooter.”

She leaves her wife, Eleanor "Ellie" Pidgeon Plouffe of Pittsfield; two daughters, Kimberly J. Betters-Tenneson and her husband Matthew of Pittsfield and Michelle Plouffe of Dalton; a son, Jason Verchot and his fiance Phil of North Adams; four grandchildren, Kayleb Peavey, Brandan Tenneson, Alan Packard and Brandi Packard; a great-grandson, Damien Martin Peavey; and many other extended family and friends. 

She was predeceased by her brother, the late Marty Betters.

Funeral notice: Calling hours for Arlene J. Betters, 69, of Pittsfield, who died May 28, 2016, will be held Saturday, June 4, 2016 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Dery Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in memory of Arlene may be made to her family to help defray funeral expenses in care of the funeral home, 54 Bradford St. Pittsfield, MA 01201.