Rita E. Messier

Rita E. Lesniak Messier  1924 ~ 2008   CHICOPEE---Rita E. (Champagne) Lesniak Messier, 83, formerly of 7 Grocki Drive, died Tuesday in Chapin Center Nursing Home.  Born in Thetford, Canada, she was educated in Chicopee schools and was a life long resident here.  Rita was a former employee of Superbrush Co., Spaulding Co., and Fisk Tire Co. all of Chicopee.  She was hired as the first ever "woman crossing guard" in the area, and had worked at the Willimansett Nursing Home.  Rita leaves a son, Anthony Lesniak of Southampton, four daughters, Mary A., & Carol Gouger, both of Holyoke, Peggy Besancon & Trish Lapointe, both of Springfield, a brother Bernard Champagne of Chicopee, 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband, John K. Lesniak, Sr in 1972 and a son, John K. Lesniak, Jr. in 1993. Funeral Friday, Feb. 22nd, 2008 at 11 am at the Tylunas Funeral Home, 159 Broadway, Chicopee. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. A visiting hour will be Friday morning from 10-11 am.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to Baystate Hospice, 50 Maple St., Springfield, MA