Frances Messier

1930 - 2013

Frances E. Messier, 83

SUTTON - On December 9, 2013, after a life full of love, giving and joy, Frances E. (Hillier) Messier, 83, of Sutton, passed into the arms of her husband, Rene N. Messier, who has been waiting impatiently since 1975. She was surrounded by her children at the time of her passing in St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester.

Her life is celebrated by her children: Marilyn J. Bachman of Amherst, NH, Donald R. Messier of Las Vegas, NV, Carol M. Messier of Cherry Valley, and Janet F. Orne of Mendon; their partners; 9 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; a great-great grandson; a sister, Beverly J. Hillier of Millbury; nephews and nieces; and a legion of friends who will miss having her here but will feel her presence forever. Frances left a legacy of love that everyone tries to emulate but can never match.

In addition to Rene, she was predeceased by her second husband, Robert B. "Grampa Bob" Plante, by her parents, Norman L. and Florence E. (Miner) Hillier, and by two brothers: Richard A. Hillier and Robert E. Hillier, both of Worcester.

Frances began her life journey in Worcester on July 11, 1930. She was raised there where she graduated from the High School of Commerce. She moved to Sutton in 1949.

Frances worked in the meat department of Goretti's Supermarket in Millbury for 19 years before she retired in 1997. Prior to that, she worked at Lambert's Pharmacy and Donovan's Ice Cream Parlor, both in Millbury, and at Telechron in Worcester. She was a member of the Catholic Parish of the Assumption in Millbury where she was a Christian education teacher for several years. She was a charter member of the Sutton Country Squares and a member of the Sutton Senior Center. When her children were young, she was a Bluebirds and Campfire Girls leader in Sutton.

Frances was a giving person loved by all who knew her. She embraced everyone and never let go. This world has lost a true gift and another has gained.

Her funeral will be Friday, December 13, from Turgeon Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Millbury, with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. in the Catholic Church of the Assumption, 10 Waters St., Millbury. Interment will follow in St. Brigid Cemetery, Millbury. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Thursday, December 12, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.

After the interment, a reception will be held at the Dudley Gendron American Legion post, 158 Boston Rd., Sutton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made either to the Sutton Senior Center, 19 Hough Rd., Sutton, MA 01590 or to the Sutton Fire Rescue Dept., 4 Uxbridge Rd., Sutton, MA 01590.