Obituary for Sister Blanche Marie Messier
SISTER BLANCHE MARIE MESSIER (FORMERLY SISTER MARTIN DE PORRES)
Sister Blanche Marie Messier, age 84, went home to God Friday, Nov. 1, 2019 at the Franciscan Villa. She was born in Brooklyn, NY, to Victor Edward and Marie Delia Messier. Sister entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1954 and attended Maria Regina College. She graduated receiving her AAS degree and continued her studies at Catholic University in Washington, DC. Sister Blanche Marie spent 65 years in the service of the Lord.
Sister began ministering in the field of education, teaching at St. Mathew School and the Franciscan Academy in Syracuse, NY. Unfortunately, she was forced to end her teaching when she suffered a traumatic hearing loss which left her completely deaf. This did not deter her, however, from continuing her service to the people of God and her Franciscan Community. She did general household duties, clerical work and was an assistant librarian at two area catholic schools and Maria Regina College.
In 1974, Sister began assisting in the cause for beatification of Mother Marianne Cope, a task she remained faithful to until Mother Marianne was elevated to sainthood in 2004. Sister’s hearing was partially restored by a cochlear implant and this enabled her to continue teaching visitors at the Mother Marianne Shrine. Sister Blanche Marie will be remembered for her deep spirituality, her service to Community, and her devotion to Saint Marianne Cope.
Sister was pre-deceased by her parents, her sister Viola Messier, and her brother, Paul Roger Messier. She is survived by her brother, Victor Edward Messier Jr., sister-in-law, Stella Messier, several nephews and the Sisters of St. Francis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019 at the Franciscan Villa Chapel, 6900 Buckley Road, Syracuse, NY. Calling hours will be from 2:00 pm to 3:45 pm. Mass will follow at 4:00 pm. A farewell service will be held Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, at 10:30 am, also at the Villa Chapel. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, Mission Advancement Office, 6900 Buckley Road, Syracuse, NY 13212.
Sister Blanche Marie Messier, age 84, went home to God Friday, Nov. 1, 2019 at the Franciscan Villa. She was born in Brooklyn, NY, to Victor Edward and Marie Delia Messier. Sister entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1954 and attended Maria Regina College. She graduated receiving her AAS degree and continued her studies at Catholic University in Washington, DC. Sister Blanche Marie spent 65 years in the service of the Lord.
Sister began ministering in the field of education, teaching at St. Mathew School and the Franciscan Academy in Syracuse, NY. Unfortunately, she was forced to end her teaching when she suffered a traumatic hearing loss which left her completely deaf. This did not deter her, however, from continuing her service to the people of God and her Franciscan Community. She did general household duties, clerical work and was an assistant librarian at two area catholic schools and Maria Regina College.
In 1974, Sister began assisting in the cause for beatification of Mother Marianne Cope, a task she remained faithful to until Mother Marianne was elevated to sainthood in 2004. Sister’s hearing was partially restored by a cochlear implant and this enabled her to continue teaching visitors at the Mother Marianne Shrine. Sister Blanche Marie will be remembered for her deep spirituality, her service to Community, and her devotion to Saint Marianne Cope.
Sister was pre-deceased by her parents, her sister Viola Messier, and her brother, Paul Roger Messier. She is survived by her brother, Victor Edward Messier Jr., sister-in-law, Stella Messier, several nephews and the Sisters of St. Francis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019 at the Franciscan Villa Chapel, 6900 Buckley Road, Syracuse, NY. Calling hours will be from 2:00 pm to 3:45 pm. Mass will follow at 4:00 pm. A farewell service will be held Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, at 10:30 am, also at the Villa Chapel. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, Mission Advancement Office, 6900 Buckley Road, Syracuse, NY 13212.