Catherine Marie Messenger

Catherine Marie Messenger, age 98, of Dayton, Maryland, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Elternhaus Assisted Living. Born May 30, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Gustave Adolph Rebell and Anna Marie Rebell. She was the wife of the late George Everett Messenger, whom she was married to since 1950, until his passing in 2013.

Catherine was one of seven children and enjoyed being part of a large family. She graduated from Washington Missionary College (now Washington Adventist University), where she also met George. After graduating, she taught English for one year at Mount Pisgah Academy in North Carolina. After marrying George, Catherine and George welcomed six children over the years. Catherine was a talented homemaker, she could do it all, sewing, cooking, canning, and raising all her children with values, faith, and a strong work ethic. Catherine was a woman of faith, serving as Head Deaconess, Hospitality Host, as well as other roles in the church, where she was needed. After the children were grown, Catherine worked for many years at the General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, until her retirement, as well as working as an Avon Representative for many years. In her free time, Catherine enjoyed watching birds, growing flowers, cooking, and took great delight in the large family gatherings.

Catherine will be remembered for her honesty, kindness, integrity, faith, humor, love, fun nature, good counsel, and many talents. Catherine’s large family and many friends will miss her, but look forward to the return of our Savior, when we will be reunited with Catherine. Surviving are children, David Messenger (wife, Amy & children Aron & Silas), Barry Messenger (wife, Deborah & daughter Krista), Thomas Messenger (wife, Jacqueline & children Laura, Jonathan, William, and Liz), Ronald Messenger (wife, Teresa & children Holly, Monica, Ronald Jr., & Marcus), and Susan Marcellino (husband, Joseph & children Anthony & Thomas). Pre-deceased is daughter, Mary Thompson (husband, Darryl & children Nathan (deceased), Meagan, Hanna, and Caleb). Catherine was blessed with 20 great grandchildren as well. Catherine was the last remaining sibling in her family.