of Helena, AR
December 21, 1924 - March 29, 2019
Marie Berthe (Mimi) DeCologne Messina, 94, of Helena passed away peacefully on March 29th, 2019 at Helena Regional Medical Center. Mimi was born December 21st, 1924, in Châtillon-sur-Seine, France, to the late Rose and Adrien DeCologne.
Mimi's life was forever changed by the German invasion of France in 1940. She and her family, like countless others, endured the Nazi occupation of her native land until Allied Forces, led by the United States, liberated France in 1944. After liberation, Mimi met the love of her life, Nunzio T. Messina, then serving as a Staff Sergeant with the US Army. A wartime courtship ensued. Following a lovely French wedding in her hometown, Mimi came to the United States and started her new life in Helena, Aransas. It became her beloved hometown. Mimi was always proud to have become an American citizen.
Mimi leaves two sons, Adrian Messina, Nunzio Messina Jr., a daughter Bernadette Messina, and one grandson Emerson Messina - all of Helena, AR. Mimi is preceded in death by her husband, Nunzio T. Messina Sr., and her two sisters Paulette DeCologne Barsato and Jacqueline DeCologne both of Châtillon-sur-Seine.
In her final months, Mimi received wonderful care from Crestpark Helena Nursing Home, and a special thank you to Virginia Brewer, a caretaker.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 1st at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home from 5:30-6:30pm with a Rosary following. The funeral mass will be held Tuesday, April 2nd at 11:00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Helena, Arkansas. The family requests that memorials be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church. Roller-Citizens has charge of arrangements 508 Plaza West Helena (870)572-2571. View and sign online guestbook. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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43 Condolence(s)
Roger Chamness
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Heaven gained another angel.
Sister Kimberly Prohaska
Saturday, April 13, 2019
Dear Messina Family
My love and sympathy to you with the recent passing of. Ms. Mimi.
I loved visiting her and Mr. Nuncio when I lived in Helena.
A finer lady has there never been!
My deepest sympathy and condolences to you!
Love
Sister Kimberly
David Clarke
Thursday, April 4, 2019
So sorry for your loss, A wonderful lady. Prayers for your family
Shirley Miles-Coad
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Dear Messina Family,
My prayers are for peace and comfort for you today and all the days ahead. You were blessed indeed to have your mother in your lives.
Think of the good memories you have shared and rejoice for them.
Mike Ross
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
So sorry to hear about your loss. Having grow up living next door to the family I always remember her kindness and smile. She was a very caring person.
Stewart Juengel
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
So sorry for the loss. Prayers for you all.
Barbara Ballard Stambaugh
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Dearest Adrian, Nuzzio, and Bernadette,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Beautiful, Sweet Mother. I remember she always had a kind word and a beautiful smile for everyone she came in contact with. My prayer is that the Lord will hold of each you in His loving arms and give you the strength, peace and comfort that you need at this time of great sorrow. Remember that your sweet Mother is enjoying the many benefits of her belief and she is at peace and no more pain and suffering. She has been reunited with your Dad and all her loved ones that have gone on before. Look for the Great Homecoming with her that she is enjoying now with her family and friends. Goad Bless each of you....Love Barbara
Fred Holloway
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
So sorry for your loss. She was such a sweet lady and so kind to my family when we moved to Spruce Street so many years ago. My prayers go out to Nunzio, Adrian and Bernadette.
All the best!
Fred Holloway
Rita Brocato
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Bernadette, Adrian and Nunzio,
So sorry to hear about your Mother. She was a very sweet lady. You and your family will be in prayers.
Phillip and Shawndus Gregory
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Bernadette, Adrian, and family,
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Sincerely,
Phillip and Shawndus
Lynn Corbitt
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
I remember Ms Messina when I was a young girl I remember taking to her n seeing her beautiful smile, I loved to hear her talk..my payers are with the family! May she RIP!
Linda Jane McIntosh
Monday, April 1, 2019
During this very difficult time, please accept our condolences. We will remember all of your family in our thoughts and daily prayers. Hugs, Linda Jane & Bill McIntosh
Jesse E Porter Jr
Monday, April 1, 2019
Such a loss not only to her immediate family but to all of Phillips County whom she treated as family. Only great memories of a fine lady. She will always be one of the great Ladies of Phillips County.
Rusty Porter
Janie Scaife
Monday, April 1, 2019
So sorry for your loss.
Jo Ellen Ryan (Beauchamp)
Monday, April 1, 2019
Bernadette, Adrian, & Nunzio,
“Eye has not seen, ear has not heard what God has ready for those who love Him.†And now your sweet Mama is experiencing it all. I’m sure your Mama, my Mama, Miss Lena, Miss Bonnie, Miss Billie, & Miss Minnie are having a grand reunion get together. Miss Mimi was once of the sweetest kindest ladies I’ve ever known. She was a true angel & will be deeply missed. My prayers are with all of you. May you be comforted in the knowledge that this separation is only a temporary one.
Jo
Bill and Marie Brasher
Monday, April 1, 2019
So sorry to hear about Mimi. Our prayers are with all the family.
Love, Bill and Marie
Laurie Smith McLendon
Monday, April 1, 2019
Bernadette, Nunzie, Adrian and Emerson:
I will miss Mimi so much. She was one of the sweetest most elegant ladies I have ever known. Her smile greeted us all and made us feel lovely. She made sure she complimented my children and made them feel wonderful all of the time, as she did me!
When she walked to the beauty shop on Cherry Street, she would stop in my office to tell me hello!
She was sweet and loving and caring and I will miss her dearly.
Love you all 💗
Laurie
Donna Mallard
Monday, April 1, 2019
So sorry for yalls loss. My thoughts and prayers is with the family. She was such a sweet and beautiful woman.
Kathleen King
Monday, April 1, 2019
Sending comfort and hugs to the Messina family and all the dear friends...
Jack cohen
Monday, April 1, 2019
Lynn and I send condolences to you Bernadette, Adrian , and Nunzio for the loss of your Mom. The Cohen and Ciener families though so much of your parents for years. May she rest in peace.
Ken Scaife
Monday, April 1, 2019
My condolences to Adrian, Nunzio, Bernadette and Emerson. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Margie Hornor
Monday, April 1, 2019
Adrian, Nunzie, & Bernadette, my deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of your beautiful mom. One of Helena's finest ladies for so many years. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
June White
Monday, April 1, 2019
I am very sorry for your loss. I pray that God will hold your hand throughout these difficult days ahead.
Phyllis Wyssbrod
Monday, April 1, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with the Messina family.
Katherine Howie
Monday, April 1, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much love to you all.
karen m lavender
Monday, April 1, 2019
Needless to say, your Mother will be missed. I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts will be with your family.
Chris Schaffhauser
Monday, April 1, 2019
Very sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mother. Prayers for you all! God bless!
Lenora Ross And Melvin Ross Jr
Monday, April 1, 2019
Sorry for your lost. the Ross at 108 Ann. West Helena, Ark 72390
Ricky & Linda Miller
Monday, April 1, 2019
We are so sorry to hear about your Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Missy Ishmael
Monday, April 1, 2019
Adrian, Bernadette and Nunzio,
I have such fond memories of your beautiful Mother. She was such a lovely lady. Anytime we would see each other , she would remind me of the days we lived next door to each other when I was a child. She always made me feel so special. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dana Crabtree
Monday, April 1, 2019
So sorry for yalls loss. Yalls family is in our prayers. She was such a sweet and beautiful woman.
Betty Robertson
Monday, April 1, 2019
My thought and prayers are with you and the family ðŸ™ðŸ»
Pat Williams
Monday, April 1, 2019
We will all miss this sweet, wonderful, loving lady. I first met her in 1952 and all these years I have loved her adorable accent. Much love to Adrian, Nunzie and Bernadette
Sybil Beasley
Monday, April 1, 2019
I dearly loved our precious Mimi! She brought pleasure to me and others every week for 40 plus years! We shared some beautiful times ! She had some awesome memories! My heart hurts for you all as you go through these difficult days! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Love , Sybil
Angela Brocato hood
Monday, April 1, 2019
So sorry to hear of your moms passing my thoughts and prayers are with your family. My mom and dad was tony and Angie Brocato we lived in helena many years ago I am Marie brashest cousin
Beth jeffers
Monday, April 1, 2019
So sorry for your family's loss! Such a sweet lady!
Bliss West
Monday, April 1, 2019
Dear Friends,
I am saddened by MiMi's loss. She was a dear friend and neighbor. Your mother always had a way about making people feel good. She was always complimentary and sweet. Your parents raised three wonderful children. I am fortunate MiMi touched my life. I will always remember her beautiful smile.
With much love,
Bliss
Lynette Murphy
Monday, April 1, 2019
Messina Family:
I am so sorry to see the lost of Mrs. Messina. What a dear lady she was. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Charles Johnston
Monday, April 1, 2019
Always a sweet and beautiful lady!
jimmayer
Monday, April 1, 2019
Bernadette, Adrian & Nunzio you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our families have always been so close and your mom was such a great role model for all. Diane ,Jim, Marla, Caren,& Adam Mayer
Carolyn Henard
Monday, April 1, 2019
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Know she will be missed every day.
Bettye Hendrix
Monday, April 1, 2019
Your Mom was a delightful person. It was a privilege to know her! Now she is at peace with no more pain. With my love, Bettye Hendrix
Jeannie Turley
Monday, April 1, 2019
Mimi always greeted us, and I mean my entire family with her big gracious smile. She was a sweet, sweet lady, and I have already missed her for a while now. I hope you all are at peace. Mimi raised a wonderful family. You can't ask more than that!