Helen M. Maiella
Helen M. Maiella, 86, of East Providence, RI, passed away peacefully March 31, 2018. She was the beloved wife of the late Richard Maiella and daughter of the late Richard and Nellie (Lynch) Hayden.
She was a graduate of Emmanuel College and State Teachers College at Boston (Master of Education degree). For 35 years, she was an educator in the Seekonk Public Schools, retiring in 1991. Helen was an involved member of the community she both lived in and loved. She was active in many groups including the Riverside Circle #28 of Daughters of Isabella where she served as Regent, the RI State Circle of Daughters of Isabella where she served as State Regent, and the International Circle of Daughters of Isabella where she served as International Director. She was a longtime member of the East Providence Chapter 1302 of AARP where she served as President and was honored with the volunteer leader of the year award in 2006. Helen was also President of the Forever Young Club at Saint Brendan Church and served on many of its committees. She was an active communicant of Saint Brendan for almost 60 years.
Over the years, she travelled extensively, both domestically and abroad. Her hobby was spending Saturday mornings visiting multiple estate sales in search of a treasure.
Helen is survived by two children; her son, Richard Maiella Jr., and his wife, Dale, of Lucas, TX, and her daughter, Lori Sullivan, of East Providence. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Kara Maiella Shade and Andrea Maiella, both of Texas, and Hayden and Liam Sullivan of East Providence, as well as one great-granddaughter. She was the sister of Grace Backman of Danvers, MA, and the late Elizabeth Hayden of East Providence. She also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be held on Friday April 6, 2018 from the W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home, 350 Willett Ave, Riverside at 8:45 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Brendan Church, 60 Turner Avenue, Riverside at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday April 5, 2018 from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Helen’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association of RI, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI, 02906 would be deeply appreciated.
