Wilma Engel Messing

Wilma Messing Obituary

Messing, Wilma Engel October 7, 1919 - March 10, 2008. Died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of the late Bud Messing; The so-loving mother of Russ (Arlene Naschke) Messing, Noel (Terry) Hefty and the late Wilma Jean Messing; Super grandmother of Jeanne Messing (Fred) Walsh, Ali Naschke-Messing, Jake Messing and Tara Hefty (Chris) Hume; Proud great-grandmother of Joseph Walsh, Solomon Walsh and Koben Hume; Dear aunt, cousin and loyal friend and benefactor to hundreds. Wilma was a past national board member and a past president of the St. Louis Section of the National Council of Jewish Women, was a recipient of the St. Louis Woman of Achievement Award and the Hannah G. Solomon Award for the National Council of Jewish Women; served on many advisory boards and boards of directors, including the Jewish Federation, the Daniel Webster Society of Webster University, St. Louis University Library Associates, Good Shepard School, Dance St. Louis, COCA, the William Seltzer Building for Senior Citizens, the Jewish Hospital Women's Auxiliary, the Saul Brodsky Library, the Washington University School of Art, Missourians Against Handgun Violence, the St. Louis Crisis Nursery, and the Jewish Community Centers Association. Wilma was a true philanthropist giving of her time, energy, and many resources, not only to organizations but directly to the lives and hearts of hundreds. She saw people as meriting goodness, peace and love, and treated all accordingly. She saw the best in others and, in doing so, they brought forth their best. Her life of openness, trust, contagious optimism, acceptance, and ever-present love rippled out, touching, emboldening, and inspiring all who knew her.Services: Funeral service Wednesday, March 12, 2008, 2:30 p.m. at United Hebrew Congregation, 13788 Conway Road with interment to follow at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois Road. Visitation for Mrs. Messing 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at United Hebrew. Contributions in her memory may be made to the National Council of Jewish Women, St. Louis Chapter, 8350 Delcrest Drive, St. Louis, MO 63124 or to the St. Louis Crisis Nursery, 6150 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139. The family wants to thank BJC Hospice and her incredible caregivers: John Triggs, Margaret Randall, Lois Thompson, Pam Kinner, Carmen Gines, and Beverly Sanders. And to Jackie Patterson for her compassionate caring, for every thing. You have all blessed us. A RINDSKOPF-ROTH SERVICE.

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Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch from Mar. 11 to Mar. 12, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Wilma Messing

5 Entries

Linda Brotkin

March 25, 2008

I moved from St. Louis to Dallas in 1999. Of course, I have visited St. Louis, but I have not spoken to Wilma in a very long time. Yet, I think of her frequently--at various times of the day--remembering her kindness, great manner and wonderful energy. For some unknown reason, I "googled" her today and learned of her passing. She was a remarkably strong and wonderful woman. My sympathies to her family and all who loved her.

Dora Maria Arenas

March 12, 2008

Mama Willie was an adorable angel of the Earth and now she is a beautiful angel of the Heaven. I will miss her big and charming smile. Mama Willie: You will live in my heart for ever and ever. Dora Maria

Linda Mayer

March 11, 2008

I have so many wonderful memories of Aunt Wilma. She was a beautiful woman both inside and out. I am so sorry that I cannot be there with the rest of our family. Please know that I am thinking of all of you with much love. Linda Johnson Mayer

Corinne Esneault

March 11, 2008

Miss Wilma was a dear friend and supporter of Good Shepherd School for Children. She served on the Board of Directors from 1973-1986. She was a tireless volunteer, helping in the classrooms and serving on the Ladies Auxiliary. As Director Emeritus, Wilma started the school's Endowment Fund in 1997, in memory of her husband Roswell. Wilma was a lady with lots of love, style and grace-first class all the way! We will always remember her and we will miss her so. It was an honor to have known her, both as a supporter and as a friend.

Sandy Kaplan

March 11, 2008

Wilma was one of my very favorite donors when I worked at Jewish Hospital and Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation. I also considered her as a friend and always enjoyed having lunch with her and visiting so we could catch up. She supported so many things and donated funds to establish the Wilma Messing Palliative Care Symposium for caregivers, hospice and homecare workers and social workers. She was so proud of this program and was recognized for her contribution at one of the luncheons during the symposium. Wilma will be missed by many, including me. She was such a special woman.
Sandy Kaplan

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