Sally M. (Cavaca) Arruda, 90, of Newport, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Village House. Sally graduated from J.F.Wilbur School, married and raised her family in Little Compton. She was an avid walker, gardener and reader. During her life on Windmill Hill, she raised chickens, geese, pigs, turkeys and even a cow. She canned vegetables and made jelly. She loved spending time with her family and pets. She was known throughout the neighborhood for feeding anything or anyone who came to her back door. Nana pushed-mowed her lawn and in her single days she would pump gas and change oil at the family garage. She loved working as a CNA alongside her sisters Connie, Jeanette, and Nancy. She was a member of the Little Compton and Tiverton Seniors, the Little Compton, Tiverton and State Grange, the Historical Society, the Community Center, and Sakonnet Chicks. She was a Cub Scout Leader as well. Sally spent her last 5 years as a resident of Village House in Newport where she was loved for her quick wit and her feistiness.
Sally was married to James Arruda ( now deceased ). She was predeceased by her son Timmy, her sisters Dorothy, Constance, Jeanette and Nancy. Her parents were the late Manuel and Majorie Cavaca.
She is survived by her Sister Marylou St. Laurent of Tiverton, her daughter Laurie Petrarca ( Peter ) of Little Compton, her son Peter Arruda of Little Compton and her daughter Suzanne Ellis ( Len ) of Dartmouth. Grandchildren Paul Borges, Jennifer Arruda, Lindsey Lipe, and James Wordell. Great Grandchildren Austin Garvy, Lilly Farias, Mason Taylor, Owen Lipe and Meadow Lipe. Lots of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on June 24, 2025 at the Amicable Church on Main Rd. in Tiverton at 11:00. All are welcome to come celebrate Sally’s life.
Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or Potter Shelter for Animals in Portsmouth RI.