Martha P. Messenie

Martha P. Messenie, born Martha Geraldine Pufahl on June 6, 1929, in Ottawa, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, at the age of 95 at Bayshire Torrey Pines Senior Living in San Diego, California.

The only child of Walter Pufahl and Elsie McCullough, Martha lived a life marked by dedication, warmth, and grace. She married the love of her life, Leon Thomas Messenie, on June 19, 1948, at St. Columba Catholic Church in Ottawa, Illinois. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, travel, and shared joys.

A consummate professional, Martha began her career as a bookkeeper and rose to become Vice President of Manufacturers Bank in Beverly Hills, California, where she led the Escrow Department. Admired and respected in her field, she built lasting friendships that endured long after her retirement.

Martha enjoyed playing Bridge and board games, and in later years, she delighted in crossword puzzles and word searches on her iPad. She traveled extensively with her husband and fondly remembered a special trip to Italy with her sister-in-law, Judith Messenie. She especially cherished ocean side drives with her son.

Martha is survived by her son, Leon C. Messenie; her nephew, David R. Messenie; and her niece, Anne M. Messenie.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18 at St. Columba Catholic Church, with Father Nicolas Wilson officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to services at St. Columba Catholic Church.

Martha will be laid to rest in the Messenie Family Plot at Deer Park Cemetery in Ottawa, Illinois.

She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

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