Helen Sofia (Johanson) Arro

Helen S. Arro, “Mummo”, age 96 passed away peacefully at Hartford Hospital on Monday, October 31, 2022. She was born in New York City on July 12, 1926, to John and Ottaljaana (Halonen) Johanson. She attended New York schools and graduated from Business School before going on to be a secretary. She married the love of her life, Albert A. Arro in New York City on November 16, 1946. They moved to Voluntown in 1958 where they built their home and family. Helen was devoted to her husband and family, always ready and willing to listen and give support to the family. She exemplified the Finnish trait of "SISU" in her daily life. Finnish culture and traditions were very important to her. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting as well as playing pinochle and bridge with her friends. Helen was a 47-year breast cancer survivor, a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ashaway, RI and a Girl Scout leader.

Helen is survived by her daughter Anna-Liisa and son-in-law Mark Messier of Voluntown; Grandchildren: Eric Messier and Heather of Griswold (Great-Grandchildren: Tyler, Sean and Brienna); Kevin Messier of Westerly, RI (Great-Grandchildren: Caden, Lyla and Gabriel); Kirsten Messier of Brooklyn, NY; Erin White and Abel of Jewett City (Great-Grandchildren: Kaylee, Mia and Landon); Angela Larsen and Ben of Spotsylvania, VA (Great-Grandchildren: Connor and Colton); Lana Nash and Michael of Lisbon (Great-Grandchildren: Ava, John and Alivia); and brother and sister-in-law, Arthur and Barbara Arro of Holland Patent, New York. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Albert; her son, John; and her daughter, Linda.

A calling hour will be held from 11:00AM-12:00PM on Friday, November 11, 2022, at the Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home.  A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 12:00PM.  Interment will follow at Pachaug Cemetery in Griswold. Memorial donations may be given to the Voluntown Ambulance Association.

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