Sandra "Sandi" Messina's Obituary
Sandra (Sandi) Susan Messina, age 81 of Olive Branch, MS, passed away on March 24, 2026, after a 6-month battle with metastatic cancer. Sandi was born on March 11, 1945, to the late Edwin and Bessie (Resh) Harazim, in Chicago, IL.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Russell Messina, daughter Debbie Messina Galanos, brother Roger Harazim, granddaughter Alexis, and baby Timmy who lived for 2 hours in 1972.
Sandi married Russell Messina in 1971, creating a blended family of children, and lived in the Chicago suburbs until the family moved to Germantown, TN in 1981. Sandi and Russ built their dream home in Olive Branch, MS in 2002, where they enjoyed the lake, ducks and geese.
In her 20’s, Sandi worked at Danly Machine Company in Cicero, IL. Later, she spent her life raising her family, doting on her kids and grandkids. Once the kids were older, she worked in retail and food service until she retired. She made constant sacrifices for her children and grandchildren, who were the most important aspects of her life.
Sandi’s legacy continues with her surviving family: sister Joyce Walsh of Chicago, IL,
6 children -Walter Mickiewicz (EvaMarie), Michael Messina, Daniel Mickiewicz (Gina), Christine Burr (Keith), Michelle Hollman (Josh), and Robert Messina (Amber), 18 grandchildren-Lynzeigh, Matthew, Jacob, Carlie, Lizzy, Prudence, Danielle, Nicholas, Austin, Mandy, Meagan, Timothy, Kyle, Christian, Archer, Tony, Josh, Ian and 6 great-grandchildren-Elena, Ellie, Desirae, Nicholas, Adalynn, and Erabella. Last, but not least, she leaves behind her beloved dog Boomer. She has loved and spoiled Boomer since he was about 8 weeks old, now 12 years old.
Sandi was a kind, giving soul who enjoyed the simple things. She relished in her family and the success of her children. When Russell died in 2009, she quickly learned to pick up the pieces, take over the bills and home, and become self-sufficient. Her favorite things included working outside in her blackberry garden, and shopping at target with grandkids (mostly for things for Boomer!)
Sandi and Russ were members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Germantown. Later, Sandi joined Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Olive Branch, MS. Although in later years she was unable to attend services, she was comforted in receiving Communion and Last Rites a few days before her passing, at Shepherd Hospice in Southaven, MS.
She was first diagnosed with cancer in 2017, underwent treatment and lived cancer-free until 2025. Even with the new onset, she fought hard and remained independent up until the last few months when the disease took its course.
Services at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery will begin on Tuesday, March 31, with Visitation from 10:00-11AM, followed by Service in the chapel and her final resting place in the Mausoleum with Russell.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.
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