Born in Cidra, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of the late Domingo and María (López) Rivera. Loving sister of María Zeneida Nieves of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico and the late Marta Josefina Barrionuevo. She was the devoted mother of Marisa Garman and husband Matthew of Scituate, MA; Tayler French of Amsterdam, NY; and Carol Navin and husband Mark of Saratoga Springs, NY.
Known as “Beba” to many, she was the cherished grandmother of Ben and Maria Garman; and Jay, Will, and Casey Navin. She was also a favorite “Titi Arcely” to many loving nieces and nephews in Puerto Rico and beyond.
She attended Colegio San Antonio in Guayama, Puerto Rico, then worked for Brown Advertising Agency in San Juan where she met her future husband Russell C. French. They married in 1961 and together they made their home in Hingham, MA where they raised their family. Arcely was active in the South Shore Mother of Twins Club, Hingham Community Center’s Cabaret, and various school organizations. She taught at Saint John’s Nursery School in Hingham, where she made an impact on many future Spanish students, and later helped those in need as a Bilingual Social Worker for the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Upon retirement she moved to Norwell, enjoyed traveling, visiting family and friends, dancing, greeting at church, and tutoring language students in area schools. Most importantly she cherished time with her children and grandchildren, attending their many sporting events, concerts, and holiday celebrations. Also known as Arcely Nummelin, she was the former wife of the late Edwin Nummelin.
Arcely will always be remembered for her vibrant personality, bright smile, and contagious laughter; she was the first and last person on the dance floor and took every opportunity to hold any baby nearby. She made everyone feel welcome and special, and will be greatly missed by all.
A Celebration of Life for Arcely will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the United Church of Christ on Main Street in Norwell, MA. Interment will be private at a later date.
The family would like to thank the communities of Village at Proprietors Green in Marshfield, Queen Anne Nursing Home in Hingham, and Autumn Hospice for their loving and compassionate care in her final years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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