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10/18/2010 12:00 AMElizabeth P. (Betty) Messina, 94, of Colchester, formerly of Deep River, died Oct. 14 at Harrington Court in Colchester. She was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, 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.
Betty was a member of the Deep River Congregational Church and was a longtime employee of C.J. Bates and Son in Chester. She was also an avid reader who became a frequent and loyal patron of the Deep River Library after her retirement.
Her family thanks the staff of Harrington Court for their loving care.
Betty is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Brian Snell of Colchester; her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Adele (Gold) Messina of Woodbridge; four grandchildren, Amy Bisson and her husband Brian, Joseph Messina and his wife Beth, Jacob Messina and his wife Allyn, and Aaron Messina and his wife Elizabeth; and four great-granddaughters, Alexis Bisson, Maya Messina, Eden Messina, and Lilly Messina. She was predeceased by three sisters, two brothers, and a granddaughter, Renee Snell.
Funeral Services, officiated by The Rev. Timothy Haut, were held on Oct. 18 at the Deep River Congregational Church. Burial was 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 of Old Saybrook was in charge of arrangements.