Rosalee M Messina

In loving memory of our wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend, Rosalee (Rosato) Messina, who passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She had a nature you could not help but love and a heart that was purer than gold. Those who knew her loved her dearly. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 67 years, Leon Messina, and five beautiful children: Jerry, Marilyn (Buck) Vines, Dr. Frank (Natalie), Steve (Shannon), and Cathy (Johnny) Juliano. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Jennifer (Chris) Moeller, Jacob (Kelcey) Vines, Taylor (Dr. Marena) Messina, Kennedie (Jamie) Mims, Kylie Messina, Luke Juliano, TJ Messina, Jesse Juliano, and Teddy Messina; and by five great-grandchildren: Zander and Max Moeller, and Jaylon, Jenna, and Jake Vines. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Mary Rosato, five siblings, her grandson, Thomas Messina, and her great-granddaughter, Becca Vines.

Born on April 23, 1930, into an Italian-American family, Rosalee, affectionately known as "Nana," embraced her rich cultural heritage and deep Catholic faith throughout her life. A proud graduate of the inaugural class at John Carroll Catholic High School, she was the cornerstone of her family, exuding love and warmth from a home filled with the scents of homemade Italian cuisine, constant laughter, and loud conversation. Rosalee devoted herself to her family, so many others, and even sometimes those we all did not even know, always prioritizing their needs and extending her kindness to all she met. She never met a stranger.

A devout Catholic, her faith was a vital source of strength and solace, guiding her through every day life's challenges and joys. Active in her church community, Rosalee's compassion and generosity reached beyond her family, touching many lives through her kind words. As we remember Rosalee, we find comfort in the enduring impact of her love, faith, and the joyful memories she leaves behind.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover, with a Funeral Mass following at 12 p.m. Burial will follow at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Rosalee to the Thomas Scott Messina Memorial Scholarship Fund, at John Carroll Catholic High School: 300 Lakeshore Pkwy, Birmingham, AL, 35209.