Helen Fantasia Arraj, 61

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July 5, 2012

Helen Fantasia Arraj, 61

The Eagle Tribune Wed Jul 25, 2012, 04:30 PM EDT

Dracut, MA — Helen Fantasia Arraj, the devoted wife of Wayne Robert Arraj, passed away unexpectedly on Monday morning at her home. She was 61 years old.

Helen was born in Somerville on April 6, 1951, a daughter of Albert and Myrtle E. (McLaughlin) Fantasia who both survive her. Her family moved to Wilmington and she attended Wilmington Schools, graduation from Wilmington High School. Helen matriculated to the University of Massachusetts-Boston, where she graduated with Honors.

Helen was a program specialist for Vinfen Corporation of Cambridge. She was a strong advocate for the disabled and a pioneer in the Social Services Community. Helen served on several boards, including Dana Farber, AAIDD, Lowell Assembly of God, and the Vinfen Family Advisory Council. She was a member of the Lowell Assembly of God Church in Tewksbury.

Helen was a gifted writer and poet, who also had a deep love for Indian Customs, traditions, and cooking.

A Spiritual Leader at her Lowell Assembly of God Church, Helen loved being there for people and families in need. She could reach out to folks and enjoyed being with and taking care of friends, family, and loved ones. Helen was a “Mother” to many.

She had a passion for gardening, cooking, and sewing. Helen loved to share stories and spend time year round with the people that she loved.

Surviving Helen in addition to her husband Wayne are her children, Daniel E. Martin and his life partner, Kim Kondziolka of Dracut; her daughter Marybeth (Martin) Sepulveda and her husband John of Dracut; three grandchildren, Makayla Dumas-Martin, Mark Martin, and Tyla Marie Martin; her three sisters, Laura Lee Fantasia, Lorna Gay Darling, and Dawn Kritter; her brothers, George A. Fantasia, Daniel P. Fantasia, Mark A. Fantasia, and Albert A. Fantasia; and her mother-in-law, Rose Marie Arraj. Helen also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

ARRANGEMENTS: ARRAJ—In Dracut, July 2, 2012, unexpectedly at her home, Helen Fantasia Arraj, 61, beloved wife of Wayne R. Arraj of Dracut. Family and friends will be received at the LOWELL ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH, 995 ANDOVER STREET, TEWKSBURY, on FRIDAY MORNING from 9:30 AM until 12 NOON. Her FUNERAL SERVICE will follow at 12 NOON in the church. Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Dana Farber Cancer Center, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 www.dana-farber.org ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS 978-459-9222. For directions or to leave the family a message of condolence please go to www.faymccabe.com

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