Barbara Elaine Messer

Barbara Elaine (Smith) Messer, 93 a longtime resident of Westmoreland and Keene passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 14, 2024 with the love of her family near at Langdon Place of Keene. She was born on October 21, 1930 to the late Minnie E. (Hill) and Robert A. Smith in Keene. She was a 1948 graduate of Keene High School. On April 21, 1951, Barbara exchanged vows with the love of her life, Elwin W. Messer. They had a simple service in Westmoreland with their family and friends. Barbara was a secretary to Dr. Lloyd Young at Keene State College, a librarian at the Westmoreland Town Library, a cook at the Westmoreland Elementary School for 20 years and Supervisor of the Checklist for the town of Westmoreland. Barbara was a very active member of her community. She was a member of the Westmoreland Ladies Aid, the Westmoreland Couples Club, the South Village Extension Club, the Cackle Club and the Surry Grange. Barbara enjoyed visiting and playing cards with family and friends, doing crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, reading and square dancing. She was always willing to help out others, whether chauffeuring, volunteering or baking goodies. She continued the Graduation Banquet dinner for all Westmoreland 8th and 12th grade graduates for many years. She prepared and organized many fundraiser dinners to benefit Westmoreland PTA, Westmoreland Fire Department and other local organizations. She also liked to keep up with family genealogy. Mrs. Messer is survived by her three children, Elizabeth (Betty) Hulslander and her husband Bruce of Surry, NH, Sandra (Sandy) Messer and her companion Dana Hill of Leominster, MA and Edward (Ed) Messer and his wife Debra of Franklin, NH. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Sandra Smith of Walpole, NH and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Barbara is predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years Elwin W. Messer, her brother Kenneth Smith and his wife Beulah, her brother Robert Smith and her sister Marjorie Rixford and her husband Austin. A celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 1:00 PM with a private burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Ladies Aid Society, PO Box 214, Westmoreland, NH 03467. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave, Keene, NH 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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Barbara Elaine Messer

October 21, 1930 - September 14, 2024