Mary L. Messina

Mary L. (Peters) Messina, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Saturday, November 11th at the age of 95.

She was born on March 19th, 1928, in Rockford, the daughter of Harold J. Peters and Jennie E. (Johnson) Peters. Mary was a graduate of Rockford East High School, class of 1945. Mary and her best friend, Jean (Gillis) Messina, married twins Peter and Jim Messina on June 22, 1947, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Rockford and had a double wedding that many folks still talk about to this day. Mary coined the phrase, "That’s the day when Mary Peters became Peter's Mary. " Mary and Peter had two children, Marianne and Phil. Mary was a hard worker, beginning her career after graduation. Places of employment included Barber Coleman, Pacemaker grocery store, J.I. Case, and Allstate Insurance (for 20 years), where she worked as a secretary and retired in 1989. She then reentered the workforce in 2001, working for various non-profits through the senior employment program, and had her second retirement in 2009 at the remarkable age of 81.

When she married Pete, she was adopted by his Italian family and so became "part Italian" along with her Swedish and German heritage. She learned how to cook Mediterranean style from her father-in-law, who lived in their home from the time the children were young until he died. Mary also became a convert to the Catholic faith when she married Pete and was faithful to both for the rest of her life.

One of Mary’s favorite hobbies was entertaining her friends and family in her beautiful homes and cooking delicious meals that everyone enjoyed. She made countless Sunday dinners and holiday meals for her family, Thanksgiving being one of her favorites. Decorating her house for Christmas (beginning the day after Thanksgiving) was a wonderful time of the year for her, too. Mary liked to celebrate her birthday with her husband and family for over 25 years in Marco Island, Florida, as a member of the “Sunshine Club.” She loved being out in the sun and boating. She spent her last birthday in Florida with her son and daughter-in-law earlier this year. Mary’s pride and joy were her two grandsons, Phillip V. Messina ("Pook" or “Little Phil”) and Anthony Musso. She created unbreakable and unique bonds with both but lost a piece of her when Pookie passed away in 2005 after struggling with Muscular Dystrophy for 18 years.

Mary and Pete spent 10 years of retirement together, traveling with friends and family, taking bus trips to several casinos and gambling boats, and boating at Apple Canyon Lake.

For the last seven years of her life, Mary created the last chapter filled with activities, living independently at Greencastle of Mulford senior living facility. Up until two months before she passed away, Mary stayed busy going to lunch, playing cards with her beloved friends, and participating in group activities. She loved sitting around the table with others to dine and enjoy conversation.

Mary had a special way of staying positive and making others smile. She stayed in close contact with her long-time friends and was always in touch with what her son, daughter, and grandson Anthony were doing! Her zest for life was contagious and inspirational to many, even those who knew her but hadn’t formally met her.

Survived by son Phillip J. Messina (Tina), daughter Marianne Musso, grandson Anthony Musso, sister-in-law Jackie Messina, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Mary is predeceased by her husband, Peter Messina, and grandson, Phillip V. Messina. Mary had nine siblings and was predeceased by all: Eleanor Mayer, Harold J. Peters Jr., Richard Peters, Dolores Anucauskas, Barbara Forsman, Shirley Self, Marjorie Bobitt, and Marilyn Yovaish.

Services will be held on Monday, November 20th, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, with the visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and the funeral mass at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery after mass.