Sofia (Sophia) Arsenis, 92, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2021, at Cherry Hill Manor, Johnston. Born in Eggares Naxos, Greece, she was a daughter of the late Dimitrios and Ekaterini (Degaitas) Boulaxis. Sofia was the wife of the late Alexandros Arsenis. In 1968, Sofia and her family immigrated from Eggares Naxos, Greece to the United States, living in Providence after being sponsored by her sister Zambeta and her husband Christos Xiarhos, leaving behind the family farm and café. She began a new life here in the restaurant industry, starting at her Uncle John’s restaurant, John’s NY System located in Providence. She then moved to Warwick in 1971 where she worked at her sister’s restaurant, Christo’s NY System while also working at Dunkin Donuts on Weybosset Street in Providence until retirement. She was a lifelong parishioner of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Cranston, participating in baking for the festival and Christmas Bazaar in her younger days. She was involved in church activities and always there when they needed her. Sofia was recognized by the Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston, presenting her with The Laity Award, November 4, 2012, for her years of service to the church. She was loved and respected by the community at large. Sofia is survived by three children; Dimitrios Arsenis and wife Grace, Ekaterini Rengigas and husband James, Ilias Arsens and wife Angeliki and was the mother of the late Nikolaos Arsenis and late wife Claudine. Beloved grandmother of 13 grandchildren; Tiffanie Arsenis Rinks, Nicole Arsenis, Alexandros and Christopher Arsenis, Christina Arsenis Tetreault, Alexis Arsenis, Alexandros, Gianna, twins Sofia, and Maria Rengigas and Savvina, Ilianna, Alexandros Arsenis, and 3 great-grandchildren, Niko, Elizabeth (Ella) and Leonides (Leo). She was the grandmother of the late Christopher Arsenis. Sofia was the sister of Zambeta (Elizabeth) Xiarhos, Anna Lambidonis, Stella Stratouri, George Boulaxis, and the late Maria (Maryoga) Laskaris. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service Monday, October 18th at 10 a.m. in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 175 Oaklawn Avenue Cranston, RI 02920, burial will follow in North Burial Ground. VISITATION Sunday, October 17th, 4-7 p.m. at “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home 600 Pontiac Avenue Cranston. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Church Endowment Fund. Please share memories at WoodlawnGattone.com
