Loretta M. Messina – (85) – formerly of Cream Hill Road, Arkport, NY, died Thursday afternoon (May 2, 2019) at Hornell Gardens where she had resided for the past seven years.
Born in Corning, NY on February 7, 1934, she was the daughter of Henry & Blanche (Sibley) Damon.
Loretta grew up in the Elmira & Amherst areas and attended Kenmore High School and later graduated from Horseheads High School (class of 1951). In her younger years she enjoyed traveling from Maine to California. Loretta had been employed as a secretary in the Military Engineering Department of Bausch & Lomb in Rochester. She later worked as a secretary at Sears in Hornell.
She had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church. Loretta enjoyed listening to music and playing the lottery (which she enjoyed many “winners” throughout the years.) Her greatest joy in life was simply spending time with her family and many friends.
Loretta was preceded in death by her former husband, Anthony “Tony” Messina who died in 1996. She was also preceded in death by 3 sisters, Calista “Chris” Mazzella, Irene Snyder and Catherine Cornish; and her dear friend, Seymour Woodworth.
Surviving are 2 daughters, Pauline Messina and Justine (Chris Rappa) Messina, both of Chambersburg, PA; 1 son, Anthony “Tony” (Patti) Messina of Springwater, NY; 6 grandchildren, Eric (Misty) Grillo, Christy (Jason) Rugh, Robbie (Hope) Cameron, Shawn Cameron, Amera Sagonas & Solena Sagonas; 7 great-grandchildren, Jude, Luciana, Jett, Cadence, Peyton , Cameron & Atley; several nieces & nephews.
The family of Loretta M. Messina will receive friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. Services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at1:00 PM with Lynsey Cameron officiating. Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery.
The Messina family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Hornell Gardens, for the wonderful care and support given to their mother/grandmother during her final days. Their compassion will never be forgotten. Thank-you!
Loretta’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
Aunt Loretta was always good to me, I have fond memories of staying at their home on Canisteo St, and going to the Milk Bar, now JC,s and eating Hamburgs and fries! I still picture her with a mini shirt, she was Beautiful, listening to the Beatles , she was the cool Aunt ! Years latter, we both lived in Fremont NY, Tom and I would pick her up for Holidays at my Parents, and she also liked coming to our home in the Country! I styled her hair for many years, she was street smart , and we always had a good laugh about things when she got her hair done!I am sorry that she reached a point were she could no longer care for herself ,and had to go to Hornell Gardens! She had a hard life as a child, told me many stories, I hope she will spend Eternity in a place she so Deserves, Love her Niece Mary A DiDio
I have thought of this lady often. She lived across the street from me when she was living with Sy. After her move to Cream hill, we still had kept in contact with each other. We often ran into each other at the store, she was such an amazing lady. And the stories she told, I enjoyed visiting with her. I am sorry to hear of her passing, she was a proud woman and very independent. My prayers are with her family and loved ones.