ELLEN MESSING

1932 - 2023

MESSING, Ellen A vibrant matriarch of an affectionate, close-knit family, who adores her and emulates her zest for life. Ellen Messing of Wayland, MA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on October 26, 2023. Ellen was born in Newark, NJ on March 31, 1932 and was raised in the West Deal section of Ocean Township, NJ. She graduated from Dana Hall School and Mount Holyoke College, and later received two Masters Degrees. She worked in the fields of speech therapy and library science. She met her first husband, James Messing, on a ship, traveling to Europe on her college vacation and they boldly married before her senior year. They lived in Seattle, WA, Cambridge, Belmont and Weston, MA. After the passing of her first husband of 35 years, she later married Robert Misch, with whom she had 15 wonderful years. Her latest love, met online, was Walter Barker, with whom she enjoyed eight active and happy years. Ellen was active in community affairs. Due to her vision and hard work, the Lifelong Learning Program at Regis College flourished and grew. Ellen and her long-standing friend, Mary Remensnyder, became co-Presidents of the Mount Holyoke Class of 1954 and held the class together by planning stimulating reunions. Anyone who knew her knew she loved gardening, tennis, swimming, classical music, theater and the arts, reading two papers daily, dancing, winters spent in Sarasota, FL, Cherry Garcia ice-cream and Philadelphia cream cheese, all of which she enjoyed into her 90s. After such an active life filled with family and treasured friends, she never wanted to live a life that was less than the vibrant, intellectual one that she had always led. Now she is at peace and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to share her love of life. She is survived by her sister, Susie Whyman; daughters, Robin Messing, Cathy Messing, Nancy Messing Shedrofsky and Wendi Messing Gilbert; as well as nephew and niece, Jennifer and Bill Whyman; two sons-in-law, Mark Shedrofsky and Paul Gilbert; seven grandchildren, Julie, Emily, Jared, Jamie, Justin, Samantha and Josh; spouses, Keith, Brittany and Zack; and two great-grandchildren, Sadie and Theo. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be sent to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Sarasota Ballet or a charity of your choice centering reading, literacy and love for the arts. A Celebration of Ellen's Life will be held at the clubhouse at The Hills at Mainstone Condominiums, 133 Hillside Drive, Wayland, MA, on Sunday, October 29, at 11am. Shiva will follow at the same location from 12 to 3pm. To join the 11am celebration virtually, use the link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6971558862 and Password: Ellen

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