Margaret "Peg" (Boehlert) Messina

NEW HARTFORD – Margaret “Peg” (Boehlert) Messina, 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the Presbyterian Home. Margaret was born in Utica on January 18, 1928, the daughter of the late Harold and Margaret (McCarthy) Boehlert. She was a graduate of St. Francis De Sales High School. At one time she was married to John Messina, a union that was blessed with four children. John passed away on February 3, 2009. After high school Margaret began her work career at Doyle Knower in retail sales, but her true desire was to become a physical education teacher. She loved swimming and worked at the local city pool as a lifeguard. She also spent 3 summers teaching swimming at pools in the Adirondacks. Her hobbies included sewing, dancing, and skiing. Margaret married John Messina at the age of 21 and in the years following, their daughter Carol was born, and the family moved to Oneonta, the “City of the Hills”, to expand the ice cream business for Hamlin. She was a homemaker and once her fourth child, John, was in school, she returned to retail sales for Bresee’s Department Store, quickly becoming a valuable employee selling cosmetics with a focus on Estee Lauder products. She found the work fascinating, rewarding, and educational. Family outings included skiing at Scotch Valley, trips to Old Forge and Sylvan Beach, and annual family reunions. Margaret moved to San Diego in 1980 to join her two daughters in the “sunshine” state. She worked for various retailers, traveled, and enjoyed spending time with her grandson, Matthew. In 2004 she returned to Utica to be closer to her siblings (brother Dick, and sisters Helen and Barbara). Margaret and her sisters were fondly referred to as the “Boe-girls”. She will always be remembered by her family for her love and guidance, great humor, and adventurous spirit. Margaret especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Margaret is survived by her children, Carol McCarthy, WA, Joseph Messina, NY, Margaret “Peggy” Willette, CA, and John Messina, NY; grandchildren, Madison Messina, Matthew Willette, and Lincoln Messina; sister-in-law, Dolores Boehlert; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Richard J. "Dick" Boehlert; her sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Charles Ferro, and sister, Barbara Young. Margaret’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at the Presbyterian Home for their wonderful care, love and compassion. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022 from 12:00-1:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Margaret’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 1:00 at the funeral home immediately upon the conclusion of visitation. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be considered to the American Heart Association online at https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/new-york/mohawk-valley-region.

Margaret "Peg" (Boehlert) Messina

January 18, 1928 - January 15, 2022