Obituary for Helen A. Nigrelli (Grills)
Helen A. (Grills) Nigrelli, 89, beloved wife of Joseph Nigrelli for 69 years, of Emerald Street, Westerly, passed away peacefully on January 15th, 2021 at home with her loving husband and family by her bedside.
Born in Pawcatuck, CT, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Grills.
A graduate of Stonington High School, Helen worked at Ames department store in downtown Westerly, and in 1949 she met her husband, Joe, when she visited his jewelry store. They were married on April 19, 1952 and raised five children.
In addition to her husband, Helen leaves behind her children, Cathy Arcello of Portsmouth, Joseph and his wife Brenda of Westerly, William and his wife Renee of West Kingston, and Sandra Ruhfel and her husband David of Newport. She also leaves her loving grandchildren, Lauren Arcello, Corey (Danielle) Nigrelli, Joseph (Amanda) Nigrelli, Alexandra (Buddy) Marshburn, David Ruhfel, Connor Nigrelli and Lindsey DeCourcey, Mark and Kyle Spaltholz; and her great-grandchildren, Skyler, Jack, Cruz and Ace Nigrelli, Hailie and Roger Romero, and Wolf and Wren Marshburn. Helen was predeceased by her son David; her five brothers, Harry, John, Samuel, Angelo, David (Rosemarie) Grills; and four sisters, Margaret Abate, Josephine Lima, Sarah Ferendo and Esther Ruisi.
Helen also leaves behind many wonderful nieces and nephews that she cherished as well as numerous friends through Joe’s association with his many years in the Westerly Rotary Club.
Helen had a special gift, if she met you, you would become a Friend for Life, and she had many, many friends. Helen was selfless and a giver. If you knew her, you loved her. Helen was the glue that held everyone together.
Due to the Coronavirus, visiting hours are omitted. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. There will be no collation.
**A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at a date and time to be announced.**
Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly is in care of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helen’s memory to St. Pius X Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital would be appreciated.
Born in Pawcatuck, CT, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Grills.
A graduate of Stonington High School, Helen worked at Ames department store in downtown Westerly, and in 1949 she met her husband, Joe, when she visited his jewelry store. They were married on April 19, 1952 and raised five children.
In addition to her husband, Helen leaves behind her children, Cathy Arcello of Portsmouth, Joseph and his wife Brenda of Westerly, William and his wife Renee of West Kingston, and Sandra Ruhfel and her husband David of Newport. She also leaves her loving grandchildren, Lauren Arcello, Corey (Danielle) Nigrelli, Joseph (Amanda) Nigrelli, Alexandra (Buddy) Marshburn, David Ruhfel, Connor Nigrelli and Lindsey DeCourcey, Mark and Kyle Spaltholz; and her great-grandchildren, Skyler, Jack, Cruz and Ace Nigrelli, Hailie and Roger Romero, and Wolf and Wren Marshburn. Helen was predeceased by her son David; her five brothers, Harry, John, Samuel, Angelo, David (Rosemarie) Grills; and four sisters, Margaret Abate, Josephine Lima, Sarah Ferendo and Esther Ruisi.
Helen also leaves behind many wonderful nieces and nephews that she cherished as well as numerous friends through Joe’s association with his many years in the Westerly Rotary Club.
Helen had a special gift, if she met you, you would become a Friend for Life, and she had many, many friends. Helen was selfless and a giver. If you knew her, you loved her. Helen was the glue that held everyone together.
Due to the Coronavirus, visiting hours are omitted. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. There will be no collation.
**A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at a date and time to be announced.**
Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly is in care of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helen’s memory to St. Pius X Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital would be appreciated.