Laura Louisa Messina

Laura Louisa Messina, 86, a resident of Church Street, passed away January 26, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family. Laura was born in Pownal, VT on February 23, 1936 the daughter of the late Frank A. and Sarah Jane (Morgan) Trochei and attended local schools. Laura worked at Green Mountain Race Track and the Stardust Roller Arena in North Bennington for many years. Laura was a member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 90 in Pownal, enjoyed gardening, painting, sewing and cherished times spent with her family. Laura is survived by her children George F. Messina of Pownal, Kathleen H. Park (Scott)of Williamstown, MA, Angela M. Darling (Bruce) of Pownal and Nancy V. Messina also of Pownal, 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Fiorino Messina who passed away December 24, 1964 as well as her longtime companion Aaron Venooker who passed away July 25, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her son Edward J. Messina and her siblings Teresa Kalinowski, Carol Gerry, Elisabeth Ainsworth, John, Edward, Daniel and Charles Pettibone, Marion “Bridget” Paul, Henrietta Langlais and Frances Pettibone. A celebration of life for Laura will be held Saturday February 4, 2023 at 11am at the First United Methodist Church of Pownal. Interment will be held Monday February 6, 2023 at 11am in Eastlawn Cemetery in Williamstown, MA. A visiting hour at the church will be held from 10-11am one hour prior to the service. If friends desire, memorial gifts in Laura’s memory may be made to the Crohn’s Foundation of America or the Vermont Chapter of the American Heart Association, c/o Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home P.O. Box 957 Bennington, VT 05201. To send the family personal condolences please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted arrangements to the care of Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home 213 West Main Street Bennington, VT.