87, of Tampa, passed away on Monday, Sept 10th, at Concordia/John Knox Village. She was born in 1931 to Paul and Ruth Gatterdam in La Crosse, Wisconsin. “The Lovely Mess” lived life to the fullest and was an Army wife who traveled the world with her husband, John Mess. She enjoyed playing Bridge, and in her youth was quite the athlete (though she cheated). She was preceded in death by her husband, John; sister, Ruth Kendall. She is survived by her daughter, Paula Mess, of Lauderhill, FL; son, Kerry Mess, of Columbus, GA; brother, Paul Gatterdam, of Pennington, New Jersey; and various nieces, nephews, and friends. Thanks to those friends who kept in touch with her through these trying times. In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a contribution in Helen’s name to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Blount & Curry, 813-876-2421.