Wencislia Arroyo, An Area Resident, Dies at 89

HOPEWELL JUNCTION - Wencislia Arroyo, 89, an area resident for 8 years, died on January 8, 2017 at home surrounded by her family. She previously lived in the Bronx.

Born in Patillas, Puerto Rico on May 4, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Wencislau (Diaz) Rivera. For many years, she owned and operated several businesses including a botanica, restaurant and produce in the Bronx, where she also made party favors and dolls. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting.

Wencislia is survived by her husband, Cristino Arroyo; her children, Priscilla Hernandez and her husband Joseph of Hopewell Junction, Edgar Martinez and his wife Nancy of FL, Sandra Avenacio and her husband Ismael of the Bronx, and Gloria Soto-Pickett and her husband Neal of Hopewell Junction; 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild; and her sisters, Helen and Lourdes Rivera. She was predeceased by her husbands, Paul Martinez and Ivan Soto; and her children, Paul Martinez and Joe Thomas Martinez.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 10am at the funeral home followed by interment at St. Raymond’s Cemetery in the Bronx.

Please visit Wencislia’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.