Obituary of Mary Ann Messenger

Mary Ann Messenger (nee Menton), beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother left this world on December 1, 2022 at the age of 91.

She was born to Helen (nee Pearson) and William Menton on February 10, 1931 in Jersey City, New Jersey. She married William Messenger in 1949, and they lived in New Jersey and New York before retiring to Florida in 1991. She has been happily living in Syracuse, New York for the past four years.

Mary Ann is survived by her lifelong friend and sister Rosalind Schoepf, children William Messenger (Lynne) of Clemmons, North Carolina, Deborah Messenger (Henry Smith) of Port Charlotte, Florida, Carol Haggerty (Matthew) of Sherborn, Massachusetts, Lynn Nunez (Marc) of Syracuse, New York, and Mark Messenger of Syracuse, New York. Mary Ann loved her 11 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. She was predeceased by her husband William, sweet daughter Mary Ann and her beloved sister Helen Byrne.

After raising her children, Mary Ann’s favorite job was as a librarian at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, New Jersey.

Creating art was a thread throughout her life, and her passion was reignited by her weekly painting group. Her watercolors are prized possessions valued by all.

Always first on the dance floor, hip-hop grandma was the life of every party. Mary Ann relished company; you could always count on delicious home-cooked meals, laundry service, and cozy beds - she was everyone’s mother if you walked through her door.

The family will be having a small service on Saturday, December 3rd at 2pm at the Edward J Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave. Calling hours will be prior from 12:45pm to 2pm at the funeral home. There will be a celebration of life at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc.