Clara Messina

Clara Messina, 94, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025. Clara (Claire) was raised in Trenton, New Jersey, the youngest of the five children of Helen and John Kowalkowski. Before graduating from Trenton High School, Claire worked at her brother-in-law's and sister's grocery "The Big L" in Trenton. Thereafter, she had careers at both American Standard and US Steel. Always fashionable, always beautiful and always on the go, she proudly purchased a 1954 Plymouth Belvedere, the "sporty coupe" of her single years. Claire was incredibly close with her siblings, the late Anthony, Florence Laurenti, and Dorothy McCormack. She had an immeasurable bond with her sisters Florence and Dorothy. Whether enjoying lunch, a holiday gathering, sitting poolside, playing cards or walking on Lido Beach in Florida, these sisters held a special connection throughout their lives. Like most siblings, they often laughed and sometimes squabbled, but they always loved one another deeply. Since her sisters passing, not a day went by when Claire did not mention their names or share a story about them. While on her first trip to the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, she met a young man, Frank Messina of Brooklyn, New York, who was also on his first trip to the mountains. While neither returned to see those mountains again, Frank and Clara did fall in love and eventually married in 1958. Over time, the couple welcomed four children into their home. Claire adored her children, especially when they were chewing. While she may never have thought or admitted it, Claire was an exceptional cook who was most pleased when others were enjoying. Her children and grandchildren could never enter her home without first being offered a meal upon passing the threshold. Spaghetti sauce, linguine with clams, and lemon-garlic chicken were all hallmark meals and family favorites. As her children grew, so did her family. Clara loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly. She relished time with them and was always boastful of their accomplishments. Her home was adorned with their photos and creative masterpieces, and she looked forward to every moment with them. Their smiles brought joy to her life. After moving to The Willows, Claire joined a new group of friends where she enjoyed long walks, playing cards, crafts, dog visits and talking with many- a social butterfly. Sue Gaasche and she frequently and heartily laughed over their card games. Claire particularly valued the great friendship of Barbara Lekites - the two were inseparable. She loved puzzles, game shows, doing research on her "machine" (i.e., her iPad), and Face-Timing with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Always quick-witted, even in her final days, Claire always made her point, and always with a smile and laugh. Claire is survived by her children Donna (Lawrence) Henry of Horsham, Bart (Kristin) of Harleysville, Frank (Andreas) of San Francisco, and, John of Akron; granddaughters Megan (John) Drozdowski of Blue Bell and Madison (Justin) Taylor of Harleysville; great-grandsons John Jr., Joseph, and Jackson Drozdowski; dearest nieces Jeanne (John) Brown and Mary Ellen (Kris) Mann; nephews Lonnie Laurenti, Brian (Diane) Laurenti, Richard (Rose) McCormack, and Michael McCormack; and dear friend David Healy. Claire was grateful to Maia Kochiashvili and Tamar Gigashvili for their compassion, care and friendship they shared over the years. The family is grateful for the kindness and support of the team at The Willows provided to Claire in her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to: Sharing Fund, The Willows, 2343 Bethlehem Pike, Hatfield, PA 19440 made payable to Living Branches Foundation; or livingbranches.org/donate (select "sharing fund"). Claire always said that she found her greatest peace in the ocean, floating on her back, arms outstretched, silently drifting, with her sisters looking on from the beach. They are together again, enjoying the sunset. A brief funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 10:30AM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd, Newtown, PA 18940. Please arrive by 10:15AM. A reception to follow at the William Penn Inn. 1017 Dekalb Pike, Gwynedd, PA 19436