Constance E. Messitt

Messitt, Constance E. NISKAYUNA Constance E. Messitt died Saturday, August 16, 2008 at the Teresian House Nursing Home in Albany. Born in Troy, she was the daughter of the late William and Julia (McGrane) Saunders. Constance was raised in Watervliet and received her education at Troy Catholic Central High School, Russell Sage College, Mildred Elly School for Girls and the Emma Willard Conservatory of Music. During the late 40s and early 50s, she was employed by the U.S. Government and was appointed administrative assistant to the director of small business at Watervliet Arsenal. She moved to the Schenectady area in 1959 and in 1962 took a position as medical assistant to Dr. Robert J. Pletman, where she remained until her retirement in 1981. She had been an active volunteer serving as a chaplain aide at Ellis Hospital, pastor care representative on the hospital board of volunteers. She was a member of Haven, Inc., American Association of Medical Assistants, AARP, Annie Schaefer Senior Citizens, and an active member of the Priory of St. Benedict in Chestertown. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence J. Messitt Sr.; one son, Lawrence J. (Rory) Messitt Jr.; and one brother, Myles E. Saunders. Survivors include her daughter Sr. Constance M. Messitt, C.S.J. of the Priory Chestertown; two sisters-in-laws, Christine Messitt of Melbourne, Fla., Rita Messitt Lynch of Troy; three nieces, M. Elizabeth Martin of Rensselaer, Patricia Messitt of Merritt Island, Fla., Marion O'Connor of Latham; two nephews, Michael Messitt of Latham, Christopher Messitt of Melbourne; two grandnieces, two grandnephews; dear friends, Vito Corbo of Schenectady, Mr. and Mrs. Gerie Ducie, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Pletman, Sr. Francis A. Gilchrist, C.J.S., of the Priory Chestertown. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, August 18 at Light's Funeral Home, 1428 State St., Schenectady, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Teresian House in Albany. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at the Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, with Rev. Jeffrey L'Arche officiating. Interment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Memorials may be made to the Priory, P.O. Box 336, Chester-town, NY 12817.