Florence Ella Messier

Funeral service schedule change. Florence Ella (Rychling) Messier, 86, of Coventry, died Friday, January 31, 2014 at Hartford Hospital. She was born June 2, 1927 in Putnam, CT, the daughter of the late Stephen and Florence (Kennerson) Rychling. Florence and her parents moved to Coventry CT, in 1930 and she remained in the Coventry area for the remainder of her life. Florence "Sis" married the love of her life, Charles W. Messier, "Charlie" on November 27, 1947. They celebrated more than fifty years together until his death in 2006. They enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Maine and working together in their yard taking care of the many flowers and plants. In their younger days they enjoyed square dancing at Pine Lake Shores. She will be dearly missed by those who loved her. In addition to her husband, Florence was predeceased by her baby sister, Betty Ann and her brother Gary Rychling. She is survived by six children and their spouses; Stephen and Cecelia Messier of Chaplin, Charlene and William Crosthwaite of Willimantic, Florenda Messier, Randy and Rosemary Messier, Lorna and Edward Williams ,all of Coventry, and Dana and Mae Messier of Mansfield, eleven grandchildren, four step grandsons, fourteen great grandchildren, ranging in ages from 6 months to 20 years, ten step great grandchildren, a brother and sister-in-law, Roland and Rose Rychling of Broadbrook, a sister-in-law, Gladys "Tootsie" Rychling of Coventry, a former daughter-in-law, Ela Hill of Marlborough, along with several nieces and nephews. Her family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic. Funeral services will be Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Nathan Hale Cemetery, Coventry. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.