Helen M. O'Donnell

June 9, 1937 - January 15, 2022

Helen M. O'Donnell, 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 15, 2022 with her niece by her side. She was the loving and devoted wife of the late George T. O'Donnell for 60 years. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Vincenzo and Lucia (Catalano) Mirarchi. Mrs. O'Donnell, a trailblazer in the 1980s, served as a Vice President of Fleet National Bank for many years before retiring. In retirement she split her time between Rhode Island and Florida, where she enjoyed one of her favorites pastimes, golf, with her beloved George. A pillar in the community, Helen was devoted to the church, volunteering for many years in the offices of St. Anthony's and St. Edward's parishes. Adventurous, stylish and ahead of her time in so many ways, Helen's high standards and generous nature defined her. Helen's character exuded charisma, loyalty and faith and made her a force to be reckoned with. She was a role model to all who knew her. Helen credited her family for her inner strength; having spent her formative years in Sicily during WWII, Helen learned resourcefulness and determination from her mother and her dear Aunt Franca. In 1946, she returned home to Rhode Island, where she continued her education and lived for a brief time in Pennsylvania as she helped her father in the pursuit of a better life for her family. Helen's dedication to her family never waivered. She loved warmly and totally, and she treated her nieces, nephews and godchildren as if they were her own. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Nabiha O'Donnell; nieces, Stephanie Spaziano, Norahann Miller, Patty Daliege, Nina Fassell and Terri Vasilakis; nephews, Joseph Mirarchi, Vince Mirarchi, Hal Michael O'Donnell, Michael Mirarchi and John Mirarchi; many adoring grandnieces and grandnephews. She also leaves several Godchildren, including Susan Blaul. She was the sister of the late Charlie Mirarchi and Barbara Spaziano. Her love and warmth will be missed by many. Her funeral will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 10 a.m. from the Maceroni Funeral Home, 1381 Smith St., North Providence followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence. Burial will be at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 4 -7 p.m. Donations in Helen's memory may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.