DOVER - Gloria May Messina passed away Monday, Jun. 19, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.
Her kind hearted spirit and beautiful smile will be missed by all. She was indeed an angel and blessed all those who knew her.
Gloria was born in Philadelphia on Aug. 1, 1928. She attended Simon Gratz HS. In her early years, she enjoyed roller skating, cheerleading, playing the piano, and dancing. At the age of 17, she danced professionally and was a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Union. One of her fondest memories was dancing for the troops as part of the USO.
Gloria married Charles Messina on Sept. 6, 1947, and was his loving wife until his death in 2003.
Once settled in Dover, she was co-business owner of C&P Supermarket and Parkview Trailer Court. She was later employed by the State of Delaware in the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs as a historical interpreter where she enjoyed writing skits and giving tours at the John Dickinson Mansion. She was awarded the Employee of the Year Award in 1993 presented by Governor Tom Carper. Gloria was also the bookkeeper for Charles Messina Plumbing and Electric. She spent countless hours playing the guitar, singing, and directing her grandchildren in holiday plays. Gloria was very active in her church, serving on the Sodality at St. Polycarp Church, and later joining the Contemporary Choir at Holy Cross Church, where her love for both God and music was fulfilled.
Her son, Anthony, and his wife, Marcia, opened their home to Mom Gloria in 2010 and lovingly cared for her until her passing.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, John Dewey and Mary Sarah Marker Spence; her husband, Charles Messina; and her great-grandson, Zakary Strong.
Gloria is survived by her children, Anthony (Marcia) Messina, Mary (John) Drummond, Barbara (Ronnie) Drake and Charles (Carolyn) Messina; her grandchildren, Sonya Cordell, Kathryn Messina, Julie Reed, Jason Pippin, Charese Pritchett, Chad Messina, and Matthew Messina; nine great-grandchildren, and other family and friends.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jun. 27, 2017 at Holy Cross Church, 631 S. State St, Dover, DE.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Jun. 26, 2017, at Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus St., Dover. Burial will follow the funeral at the Holy Cross Cemetery located on Clara and North New Streets in Dover. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Trader Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to American Heart Association, 200 Continental Drive, Newark, DE 19713; Delaware Hospice, 16 Polly Drummond Center, 2nd Floor, Newark, DE 19711; or American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way #205, New Castle, DE 19720.