Cornellia Orsak Messer

She was born July 21, 1947, in El Campo, Texas, the daughter of Ben Orsak and Evelyn Tobola. Cornellia graduated El Campo High School, where she was head cheerleader and homecoming queen. After attending Wharton County Junior College, Cornellia moved to Houston and became an executive assistant at Exxon. In Houston Cornellia met and fell in love with William G. Messer. She and Bill married in 1970 and settled in west Houston, where they raised two children, Douglas and Jennifer.

Cornellia was a devoted mother and mother-figure to many who knew her. No one visited the Messer house without being invited to stay for a meal. Cornellia loved to cook and co-founded a catering business called Just In Thyme. Cornellia was known for her boundless energy, which she poured into her community, volunteering at Meadow Wood Elementary School, Spring Forest Junior High School, Stratford High School, and St. John Vianney Catholic Church.

After their children graduated high school, Cornellia and Bill moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, and managed the Convenience Company until they retired to Galveston, Texas, in 2003. In Galveston Cornellia enjoyed fishing, boating, and crabbing. She continued her volunteer work through Sacred Heart Church and cooked meals for their soup kitchen. In 2008 Cornellia and Bill moved to Austin to be near their children.

Cornellia was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a devout Catholic who lived her faith through countless acts of service for people in need. She was known for her graciousness and hospitality, and loved inviting friends and family to her dinner table.

Cornellia will be remembered for her energy, her laughter, and her generous spirit. Everyone who knew Cornellia will miss her dearly.

Cornellia is survived by her children: Douglas Messer and his wife, Laura, of Austin; Jennifer Garraway and her husband, David, of Austin; grandchildren: Megan Messer, Emily Messer, William Garraway, and Katherine Garraway; siblings: Clyde Orsak, Lawrence Orsak, Delores Herzik, Paulette Hanks, and sister-in-law, Helen Watkinson; and 11 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Bill; her parents, Ben and Evelyn Orsak; and her son, Timothy Messer.

A rosary service will be held May 12 at 1:00 p.m. at Emmaus Catholic Parish, 1718 Lohmans Crossing in Lakeway, Texas, and a funeral mass will be held there at 2:00 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Flowers may be sent to Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Cornellia's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.