Obituary of Shirley A. Massena

Shirley A. Massena August 24, 1932 - December 29, 2004 Shirley Arlene (Willis) Massena, 72, of Simeon Road, Bethel, cherished wife of Sam. F. Massena, died at Danbury Hospital, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, December 29th. She was born in Brookfield on August 24, 1932, daughter of the late Chester and Barbara (Couchevitz) Willis. She was a graduate of Danbury High School, Class of 1951. She was a Veteran of the Korean War having served with the United States Air Force. Mrs. Massena made her home in Danbury with her family, for most of her life. She worked alongside her husband, Sam, owning and operating Massena Gardens and Massena Flowers together. She was a devoted and dedicated mother, always active in her children's school and extracurricular activities. In addition to her husband of 46 years, Sam, she is survived by her son, Stanley Messina and his wife, Kandi of Danbury; his two daughters, Sue Esposito, and Sally Travis-Scott and her husband Timothy, all of Danbury; her four grandchildren, Joshua and Joseph Esposito, Michael and Michelle Travis. She is also survived by her brother, Vernon Willis and his wife, Evelyn of Florida; her four sisters, Virginia Beck of Brookfield, Doris Tillman of Carmel, NY., Fay Ballard and her husband Robert of New Milford, Barbara O'Connell and her husband Edward of Brookfield; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Beverly Willis. Funeral Information A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 3rd at St. Joseph Church, Danbury, at 10:00am. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury. The family will receive friends at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, on Sunday, January 2nd between the hours of 3:00 and 7:00pm. Donations Information Memorial Contributions in her memory may be made to the Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, 405 Main Street, Danbury, Connecticut 06810.