A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday for Marlene A. Messina of 500 Carley Ave., Sharon. She passed away peacefully with her family at her side at 3:25 p.m. Tuesday (3-30-10) in UPMC Horizon, Farrell. She was 77.

Mrs. Messina was born Jan. 15, 1933, in Lorain, Ohio, a daughter of Leo and Elizabeth Kaiser Martin.

She graduated from St. Mary's High School in Lorain and, as a young lady, worked as a receptionist for a physician in Lorain.

She met her loving husband, Sam, in 1952 and they were married Oct. 23, 1954, in St. Mary's Church, Lorain. Mrs. Messina was a homemaker and belonged to St. Joseph's Church, Sharon.

Through the years, she volunteered many hours to her children's activities. She enjoyed serving as president of the Basketball Mothers at Sharon High School, working concessions at the Sharon American Little League games and helping wherever she was needed.

Marlene enjoyed cooking for her family and celebrating Easter with them each year. She also enjoyed music and dancing. She will be remembered for her kindness and devotion to those whom she loved as a wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend.

Her husband, Sam Messina, survives at the residence. Also surviving are: her five daughters, Beth M. Namey and her husband Dr. Michael Namey; and Lori A. Zomparelli and her husband Dominick, all Hermitage; Kathy J. Totin and her husband Andy, Sharpsville; Mary C. Messina; and Linda L. Rueberger and her husband Richard, all Sharon; and three sons, Dr. Michael P. Messina and his wife Tammy; Peter J. Messina and his wife Stephanie; and Robert J. Messina and his wife Kelly, all Sharon. She also leaves 24 grandchildren, Natalie, Rosalie and Sam Messina; Michael, Paul and Rachel Namey; Salvatore, Peter, Maria and Catherine Messina; Marlana Messina and Dominick and Nicholas Zomparelli; Andrew, Melissa, Brittany and Matthew Totin; Anna, Mark, Rebecca and Luke Rueberger; and Emily, Joseph and Megan Messina.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Anthony Robert Messina; and her brother, Leon Martin.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Church or to the Music Ministry at St. Joseph's Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon, PA 16146.

Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday (4-5-10) and from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. Tuesday (4-6-10) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may send condolences by visiting our Web site at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrema-tory.com

Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in St. Joseph's Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Glenn R. Whitman, pastor, as celebrant. A brief prayer service will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home prior to leaving for the church.

Interment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.