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CATHERINE MARIE of Rio Rancho, NM passed away peacefully on May 9, 2012. She was born March 26, 1923, in Lindsey, OH to the Reverend and Mrs. Sherman and Burdena Yarger. Catherine is survived by her husband of 65 years, Reverend Alvin F. Messersmith (ret.); as well as older sister Helen Stalter and husband Marion; and numerous nephews and nieces. Catherine graduated magna cum laude from Wagner College in New York in 1945 with a BS in Chemistry and went on to hold laboratory analysis positions at Standard Oil of New Jersey and Collett-Week-Nibecker in Ossining, NY. Catherine was a lifelong Lutheran, her faith in Christ was an integral part of her life. She participated with her husband in church work in the four parishes he served in the Hudson Valley and in Rochester, NY and was active in Sunday school teaching, bible studies, and bell and vocal choirs. She served several terms as Hudson Conference President of Lutheran Women's Mission Society and as District President of Women's Aglow. Catherine and her husband became members of Community of Joy Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho when they moved to New Mexico 24 years ago, after retirement. She and Alvin traveled extensively. Catherine played piano and gave lessons, and she was an avid seamstress, making most of her own clothes for many years. Catherine will be missed by the many friends she made throughout her life. A memorial service to celebrate Catherine's life will be held at Community of Joy Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 26, at 2:00pm. It was Catherine's wish that memorial contributions be made to either the Community of Joy Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or to the ELCA World Hunger or Disaster Response, which can also be designated through Community of Joy Lutheran Church, 841 Saratoga Dr NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144.
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