Obituary of Helen L. Arena

Helen L. Arena, 92, formerly of Newtown, Pennsylvania, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Meadow Lakes Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility in East Windsor, New Jersey.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Helen spent the majority of her life living in Sayreville and South River before moving to Wilson, North Carolina, to support her husband’s endeavors while working with E.R. Squibb, Inc.  She lived in Wilson for 10 years before retiring to Newtown, Pennsylvania, where she spent many wonderful years before moving to Meadow Lakes. 

In her early years, Helen was employed as an Administrative Assistant with Chemical Bank in New York City and later in life, she worked with the law office of Peter Schwartz in East Brunswick, New Jersey.  Volunteering was one of Helen’s greatest passions. In her teenage years, she served as a candy striper at the local hospital and continued her volunteerism in her later years in North Carolina.  Serving the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, Bucks County Pennsylvania, and Wilson Memorial Hospital of North Carolina were two of her favorite places to spend her free time while bringing joy to others.

Predeceased by her parents, Matthew and Rose (Fossa) Lapelusa, her husband, Paul M. Arena, and her siblings, Edward and Wilbur Lapelusa and Mildred Bremer; she is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Bill Birnn of Jericho, Vermont; her son and daughter-in-law, Paul T. and Jeannie Arena of East Windsor, New Jersey; and her beloved granddaughter, Katherine Arena of New York, New York.

Cremation will be private; the family will plan a Celebration of Life Service for Helen in the coming months. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Helen’s memory to the Salvation Army which Helen has supported throughout her life (https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/).

Arrangements are under the direction of Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Services at Glackin Chapel, 136 Morrison Avenue, Hightstown, NJ.