Obituary of Helen Pineda Arroyo

HELEN PINEDA ARROYO

1928-2023

On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, Helen Pineda Arroyo, mother of ten children, passed away at the age of 94. Helen was born in Santa Monica CA, on June 17, 1928, to Maria Rosa Canchola and Henrique Sandoval Pineda. Helen was raised in Santa Monica and Castroville CA. On July 27, 1952, at age 24, she married Fidel Cardona Arroyo. They lived in Castroville, then moved to Prunedale, where they raised their family. In addition to being a mother of ten, she also worked in the fields and canneries. Eventually, Helen and Fidel were able to work for themselves, growing strawberries on their ranch in Prunedale.

Helen enjoyed the outdoors, and on her best days, you would find her caring for her garden of roses, calla lilies, geraniums, and avocado, apple, orange, and lemon trees. Helen was faithful to her church, Our Lady of Refuge, where she would regularly attend.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Fidel Arroyo, her son Antonio (Tony) Arroyo, and two grandchildren, Jessie Jaquez and Katrina Helen Romo. She is survived by her nine children; Fidel Arroyo Jr (Elanor), Esmeralda Garcia (Humberto), Josie Arroyo Gutierrez, Rosario Arroyo Farias (Gabriel), Trinidad Arroyo, Sylvia Arroyo, Elisa Arroyo, Elena Arroyo Vasquez (Baudelio), and Angela Arroyo. She leaves behind 23 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on June 14th, from 1:00-3:00 PM at Healy Mortuary. The Rosary will be from 3:30-4:30 PM.

Mass will be held on June 15th at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church at 11140 Preston St, Castroville, CA. The burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 18200 Damian Way, Prunedale, CA.