Danielle Messina

Danielle Messina passed away at home on February 21 at the age of 65, with her best four-legged friend Stella by her side. She is survived by her daughters, Linnea (Phill) and Gabriela (Mike), her grandchildren Lachlan and Hadley, her former husband Rosario (Tina), her sister-in-law Kim, her nieces and nephews Tara (Tom), Seana (Tim) and Danny, along with many great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by countless cousins who were like best friends, and friends who were like family. She is pre-deceased by her parents Daniel and Margaret Sullivan, her older brother Terry, and cousins Marianne, Marty, Susie, and Suzette. Danielle attended St. Mark’s High School where she met her lifelong and dear friend, Bernadette. For many years, Bernadette’s Ocean City NJ home became Danielle’s happy place for a week, and countless memories were shared there with her daughters and nieces and nephews (who lovingly say that once her daughters came along, they were forced to take a back seat). She absolutely loved all things about the Jersey Shore (we all know her feelings for Delaware beaches), especially the Wildwood days with Rosario and cousins Paula and Sam. She continued to travel there with her cousin gang for Irish Weekends and other special events until she was no longer able. Eventually she was convinced to try out Dewey beach and she loved it, though probably more because of the Elvis impersonators. When not hanging at the shore, Danielle could usually be found on Patty and Dennis’ porch, passing many nights just talking and being goofy with her family. As everyone knows, the cousins were a tight-knit bunch, and she missed Marianne dearly. In later years, a St. Patrick’s Day never went by without celebrating with Sheila Renee and fondly remembering Marianne. Danielle worked at the Delaware River and Bay Authority for over two decades and made friends with so many people over the years. It was rare for her to go out and not see someone from “The Bridge” that she knew. But especially dear to her were Gerry and Mary Beth who remained close with her even after her early retirement so many years ago. They shared many Ferry summer parties with her, which she loved because even though it was a 4th of July party, her birthday was close enough, and Danielle claimed the parties were her own. After a brief retirement she went back to work and met another huge network of Dupont coworkers and continued to know people everywhere she went. About six years ago she adopted a puppy, which we all thought was a terrible idea, but there was no telling that stubborn woman otherwise. Stella turned out to be a giant lovable furball who pretty much existed to worship Danielle. Stella literally never left her side during these last few years and provided Danielle with so much companionship and comfort. Before Danielle got truly sick, we asked her about her final wishes, and she was very clear that she wanted nothing at all, except to be remembered and always feel like she is “there” with us. This was always clear growing up as well – she made us swear to keep her in the living room so she never has to miss a holiday or birthday, and we can “talk” to her if we want. To honor Danielle, we ask that you all go out and do something fun that reminds you of her, and the good old days with Danielle. Take a walk with your dog and remember how lucky we are to have dogs by our side. Go to happy hour with all your work friends and have a drink (or three) in her memory. Take your grandkids to Chuck E. Cheese, the movies, or Friendly’s and give them all the junk food they want. The next time you trip on the stairs, remember how good Danielle was at falling down (or up) the steps. Find a front porch you love and sing along with some oldies music with friends, or listen to Rod Stewart and think of her. When your restaurant order is incorrect, remember how unbelievably picky she was with all food, and that green vegetables did not exist to her. Play pranks on your siblings (or usually in Danielle’s case be the victim of the prank) and laugh about it for years and pass along those memories to your kids and grandkids. Settle in with family to watch classic funny sitcoms, and just enjoy the simple laughter. Be grateful for your children and be proud of the adults they have grown to be. We all know there should be so many more future years of her life to write about, but we also know this is how she would like to be remembered – in small ways, every day.

Danielle Messina

July 5, 1957 - February 21, 2023

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