Betty Messier passed away August 10, 2016 at her home in Coventry, Connecticut, following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Born 1930 in Simcoe, Ontario, Betty Bagshaw Brook was the daughter of Richard L. Brook and Catherine D. Brook (nee Bagshaw). Betty was an alumna of Bishop Strachan School, Toronto, of which she had many fond memories. At twenty Betty re-ceived a B.S. in Economics from McGill University (Montreal), where she met and fell for a fellow student – and dashing American Navy pilot – her companion and husband of sixty years, the late G. Richard Messier of Nashua, New Hampshire. Betty was pre-deceased by her only sibling, and dearest friend, Judith McIntosh.
Betty was the treasured mother of six: Robin Messier Pearson of East Hartford CT (Rich); Richard B. Messier of Albion CA (Anna); Mark A. Messier of Coventry CT (Deborah Richards); Catherine M. (“Kit”) Perlman of Coventry RI (Rick); George H. Messier of Southbury CT; and Brook M. Scott of San Rafael CA (John). She was the much-loved “Grandma” of twelve: Heather Hines (Peter), Dylan Hale (Jessica Riley), Owen Boisvert, Kristina Butler (Cy), Jordan Dez (Zal), Grant Messier, Molly Pearson (William Britelle), Catherine Pearson (Benjamin Edwards), Brook Rhatigan (Mark), George Messier, William Scott and Blair Scott. Betty was the proud great-grandmother of ten: Abby Hines, Henry Hines, Cormac Hale, Waverly Hale, Bryce Butler, Golbu Dez, Clyde Brittelle, Delphine Brittelle, Matthew Edwards, and Landon Rhatigan.
Betty was dearly loved by her friend and companion Jessica Lewis, who with great patience and kindness calmly provided Betty support, comfort and guidance during these last several years, and to whom the Messier family extends its sincere gratitude and affection.
Betty’s keen intellect was demonstrated when, after raising her six children, she returned to college at the University of Connecticut, receiving both B.S. and M.S. degrees in plant science, with distinction. She was a master gardener whose creativity and aesthetic eye were most evident in the perennial beds cultivated at her Coventry homes, accomplished amateur genealogist, crossword puzzle savant, skillful Bridge player, and imaginative chef. Betty co-authored The Roots of Coventry, an extensive history tracing her adopted hometown’s development, published for Coventry’s 275th year anniversary. An avid and encyclopedic reader, Betty served as President of Coventry’s Booth & Dimock Memorial Library Board of Directors and active member of its Building Committee. Among her wide range of local civic activities Betty represented Coventry for a decade on the Northeast Connecticut Visitors’ District, including a two-year term as President, participated in the Coventry Garden Club, and served on the Coventry Beautification Committee and Coventry Historical Committee.
A private burial is planned for Saturday, August 20, at Nathan Hale Cemetery, Coventry, fol-lowed by a 4:00 p.m. informal memorial service for friends and family at the family residence, 300 Birch Bend Road, Coventry. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Coventry’s Booth & Dimock Memorial Library (1134 Main Street, Coventry, CT 06238) or the Alzheimer’s Associa-tion Connecticut Chapter (200 Executive Boulevard, Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489) in memory of Betty Messier. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty B. Messier (Brook), please visit our
Heartfelt Sympathies Store.