NOTHING ON EARTH CAN COMPARE TO BEING WITH CHRIST IN HEAVEN

Our mother, Frances M. Messina, 260 Buhl Farm Dr., Hermitage, Pa. has gone home. Her earthly journey is redeemed for heaven's Glory.

Mom was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, January 29, 1921 to Joseph and Julia Sholtis Validzich, and then together they moved to Farrell, Pa. She graduated from Farrell High School in 1939. Mom met our dad, Peter J. Messina, also from Farrell, and they wed on August 12, 1939. Together they raised three children, Patricia A. Heilman, Mineral Ridge, OH, Deacon Joseph P. Messina, and Marlene J. Reagle, Hermitage, Pa.

Mom and dad owned both the Hilltop and the New Villa restaurants both Farrell. They owned and operated the New Villa until 1960 when a fire destroyed the family restaurant. After that she worked at Tasty Baker, Sharon and JC Penny's, Hermitage. She enjoyed volunteering at the Farrell Osteopathic Hospital, and she belonged to the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 126, Farrell. Mom did a lot of cooking and always made sure she had enough to share with neighbors. We always remember her helping people in some way. She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell.

Besides her children, she leaves behind their spouses, Barbara Messina and Rev. Arthur Reagle, nine grandchildren, Mark Heilman and his wife Shannon, Bryan Heilman and his wife Amber, Rick Heilman and his wife Sandy, Melissa Heilman, Peter Messina, Marlana Brewster and her husband Bill, Randy Reagle, Cis Zehr and her husband Frank, Corey Reagle and his wife Amanda, eighteen great grandchildren, Jessica, Amanda, Joshua, Christopher, Taylor, Ashley, Louis, Michael, Morgan, Paige, Noah, Zachery, Ryan, Nicole, Jamie, Alicia, Ashley Z, and Nevan.

Our dad passed away on July 5th, 2003. Besides her husband and parents, mom was preceded in death by her two brothers Albert and Joseph (Vale) Validzich. Home from the earthly journey, safe for eternity,all the savior promised, that is what heaven will be. We would like to thank the compassionate and caring staff at Sharon Regional Health System, specifically the Intensive Care Unit and Six West.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105

Calling hours: Private. Friends may send condolences by visiting the web site www.mcgoniglefuneralhomeandcrematory.com

Services: Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for family and friends on Tuesday (12-16-08) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Salvatore P. Mitchell, pastor as celebrant.

Interment: St. Anthony's Cemetery, Hermitage. Arrangements by the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon.