Teresa Messina

Waterford — Teresa A. Messina, 85, of Waterford, formerly of Beckwith Street, New London, entered eternal life on Feb. 11, 2018, in the comfort of her loving family.

She was born March 26, 1932, in New London, the daughter of the late Cornelius and Lola (Greene) Shine. She was a longtime resident of New London, and a graduate of the former Chapman Technical High School, Class of 1950. She was united in marriage to Joseph Messina Sr. on April 19, 1952, in St. Joseph Church, where she presently was a communicant. Mr. Messina passed away on July 16, 2010.

Teresa worked at the former Eastern CT Cable Co. in customer service for 20 years before retiring.

Her number one passion in her life was her family. She enjoyed spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and most recently, her great-grandchildren. Being born and spending her whole life in New London, she was always surrounded by many friends, with whom she would play cards, go to Thursday night movies and Friday night dinners. She always had a smile on her face and kind words to say for everyone.

She is survived by her three children, Joseph Messina Jr. and wife Dedee of Florida, Sharon Messina and husband Jonathan Hiller of Gales Ferry, Judy and husband Bob Branch of New London; six grandchildren, Karryne Fox, Anthony Messina, Rob Branch, Kelsea Messina, Neil and Jack Sullivan; and three great-grandchildren, Owen, Josie and Madelyn. She was predeceased by four brothers, Cornelius “Bud,” John, James and Richard Shine.

Her family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Wednesday, at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. Guests are asked to gather at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, for a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Church, New London. Interment to follow in St. Mary Cemetery.

Donations in her memory may be made to Center for Hospice Care, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.