Eleanor VanBuren Messia

Eleanor M. VanBuren Messia, 85

Melrose- Eleanor M. VanBuren Messia, 85, formerly of Avenue A died Sunday, May 26, 2013, at Ludder's Country Home in West Sand Lake after a long illness.

Born and raised in Rensselaer and East Greenbush, she was the daughter of the late Elmer VanBuren and Mary Moran VanBuren and wife of the late Robert A. Messia Sr.She had resided for over 50 years on Avenue A in Melrose and was a graduate of Columbia High School and Albany College of Pharmacy, where she met her husband, in the class of 1950.

Eleanor was owner, operator and pharmacist with her husband, Bob, of Esquire Drug Stores for 60 years. She was a member of the Country Club of Troy, Troy Ski Club, Lambda Kappa Sigma Sorority, Leader of the Melrose 4H Club and an active communicant and volunteer of the former St. Bonaventure's Church in Speigletown, now Transfiguration Parish.

Survivors include her children, Janet (Anthony) Prezio, Troy, Robert A. Messia Jr., Troy, Peggy (Steve) Durbin, Double Oak, TX, Carol (Barry) O'Sullivan, Long Island and Karen (Frank) Wendling, Troy; her grandchildren, Giovanna Prezio, Robert Messia III, Joseph Messia, Mary McBride, Daniel Messia, Corey, Fiona, Claire and Aidan O'Sullivan, Lucas and Ethan Wendling, a stepson Nick Durbin, 3 great grandchildren and her beloved cat Pogo. She was predeceased a daughter-in-law, Maureen Messia.

Eleanor may be remembered for her fun loving nature, her door always being open to the neighborhood children, her willingness to enjoy new experiences, her commitment to all those who were dear to her or her bah bach, pilaff and pizza cookies. We will miss her here on this earth and wish her well on her journey to join Bob and all of her family that have gone before her.

Eleanor joined a special and loving group of people at Ludder's Country Home in 2012. She touched their hearts as they touched hers and ours.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Thursday, from 5-8 PM.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 9 AM at Transfiguration Parish formerly St. Bonaventure's Church Speigletown where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. George Fleming, Pastor.

Interment will be in Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Schuylerville at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Eleanor M. Messia to the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society 3 Oakland Avenue Menands, NY 12204 or Transfiguration Parish 50 Hillview Drive Troy, NY 12182.

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