Elizabeth Messina

Messina- Elizabeth (Betty) P. Messina , 94, of Colchester, formerly of Deep River, died Thursday Oct. 14, 2010 at Harrington Court in Colchester. Betty was born in Northampton, MA, the daughter of the late John and Anna (Marek) Petcen. She and her late husband, Joseph W. Messina, moved from New Haven to Bridge Street in Deep River, where she lived for many years. Betty graduated from Smith College with a degree in botany. The enjoyment she derived from gardening, plants and flowers continued throughout her life. One of her favorite flowers was the blue morning glories that climbed outside her kitchen window. She was a member of the Deep River Congregational Church, and a longtime employee of CJ Bates and Son in Chester. She was an avid reader who became a frequent and loyal patron of the Deep River Library after her retirement. She is survived by her daughter and son in law, Donna and Brian Snell of Colchester, and her son and daughter in law Mark and Adele (Gold) Messina of Woodbridge. She is also survived by grandchildren, Amy (and Brian) Bisson, Joseph (and Beth) Messina, Jacob (and Allyn) Messina, and Aaron (and Elizabeth) Messina, as well as four great granddaughters: Alexis Bisson, Maya Messina, Eden Messina, and Lilly Messina. Betty was predeceased by 3 sisters and 2 brothers, and a granddaughter Renee Snell. The family wishes to thank the staff of Harrington Court for their loving care. Funeral Services will be Monday Oct. 18, 2010 11:OO am at the Deep River Congregational Church, 1 Church Street Deep River, with the Rev. Timothy Haut officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 10:30 until 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow in Fountain Hill Cemetery Deep River. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Renee Snell Memorial Fund c/o Bacon Academy 611 Norwich Ave. Colchester Ct. 06415. The Swan Funeral Home Old Saybrook has charge of the arrangements.