Obituary of Ruth Messina

RUTH MESSINA December 23, 1925–October 18, 2020 Ruth Messina, loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, Manhattan drinker (but only if it was made with Seagram's 7), amazing cook, and the life of the party, died peacefully on Sunday, October 18, with her family by her side. Ms. Ruthie as she was fondly called, is dancing in heaven right now, to a song by Barry White or Gladys Night and the Pips, and not even St. Peter himself could pull her off the dance floor. She lived an extraordinary life in her 94 years. After marrying WW II Veteran John Messina in 1947, they had three children — Joanne, Michael, and Laurie. Ruth was guided by her faith and drew strength from it in tragedy, when her daughter Joanne, who was born with Cooley's Anemia, passed away at only 23 years old. When it came to cooking, nobody made meatballs or eggplant parmesan like dear Aunt Ruthie. Anyone who tried her recipes said they just didn't turn out the same as hers and it was true. If she asked you to help her in the kitchen, she would stand right behind you and direct your every move. Ms. Ruthie was the epitome of beauty, elegance, grace, and style. She always looked like a million dollars but loved shopping at the Dollar Store and Marshall's. They are mourning as well. Her strength, energy, and zest for life were unequaled. She would have exhausted even the Energizer Bunny. Ruthie's most precious gift was her endless and unconditional love for her family. Her true happiness was derived from seeing her children and her granddaughter, Brianna, happy. Ms. Ruthie never missed Mass, a birthday, or a good party. She will be loved, cherished, and missed forever. The angels in heaven are in for one good time. Viewing for Ruth Messina is Sunday, October 25 (2-4 pm, 7-9 pm): Matthew Funeral Home 2508 Victory Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10315 (718) 761-5544 Mass with be held at the Church of Our Lady of Pity Monday, October 26 at 10:30 am 1616 Richmond Avenue Staten Island, NY 10314 In lieu of flowers or Mass cards, the family asks that you make a donation to the Cooley's Anemia Foundation in Ruth Messina's honor. Thank you. https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/CooleysAnemiaFoundation/OnlineDonation.html