Julia M. (Simone) Messina, 92, of Worcester, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 24th 2013 after a brief illness.
     Julia was born in Bari, Italy, a daughter of Ignazio and Margaret (Del ‘lorto) Simone. She lived as a little girl in Italy immigrating to the United States at the age of 10 settling in the Fairlawn section of Shrewsbury. She graduated from Shrewsbury High School and in 1947, met and married the man who became the love of her life for the next 57 years, Samuel J. “Sam” Messina. Together they moved to Worcester to raise their family and she has lived here ever since.
     Julia’s husband, Samuel, passed away in 2004 and a daughter in law, Joyce in 2006. She is survived by the family she loved so much, Marie Lahti and her husband Fred, George J. Messina and his wife Betty, Michael Messina, Julie Ann Chimento and her husband Joseph all of Worcester; five grandchildren she cherished and two great grandchildren she adored; a sister, Angelina “Lena” Caruso of Bradenton Florida; many nieces, nephews and extended family. Two brothers, George “Skip” and Bernard “Blackie” Simone and a sister, Virginia “Ginny” Amato all pre deceased her.
     At onetime Julia worked as a Nurse Aide for the St. Francis Home before retiring. She then volunteered her time at St. Francis Home. She was a member of St. Joseph Church. Julia enjoyed the beach, travel, and cooking. She valued her Italian heritage, treasured her family and most of all caring for them. Nothing made her happier than the holidays, family gatherings and just being with her family.
     Funeral services for Julia will be held Tuesday, August 27th at 11:30 a.m. in The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Burial will follow next to her husband Sam in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. A period of calling hours will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St Francis Home, 101 Plantation St., Worcester 01604.