Obituary: Martina “Tina” Ruth Townsend, 99, of Danbury

Information and Photo Courtesy Green Funeral Home

DANBURY, CT — Martina “Tina” Ruth Townsend (née Messmer) passed away peacefully on October 23 at the age of 99. Tina was born in Covington, KY on April 27, 1919 to Elsie Pretty and Walter Messmer.

Following her graduation from La Salette Academy, she taught ballroom dancing, where she met Luther Townsend, whom she married in 1939. She was a resident of Danbury for the past 37 years.

She is survived by her devoted son and daughter-in-law, Gary L. Townsend MD and Joan Draper MD; her four granddaughters: Valerie Hansen (Kris), Stephanie McGrory (John), Monica Kraft (Casey) and Victoria Townsend; and her eight great-grandchildren: Sean, Colin, Megan and Liam Hansen, and John, Diana, Kate and Matt McGrory.

She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Luther, and her youngest granddaughter, Rebecca Draper Townsend.

Tina was a light to all in her life including her family, friends and neighbors. She will be forever in our hearts and remembered for her humor, kindness, and love of dancing, Notre Dame and Coca-Cola.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 10th at 10 a.m at Saint Joseph’s Church, Danbury. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

In celebration of Tina’s vibrant spirit, a touch of colorful clothing would be welcomed at her service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Rebecca Draper Townsend Memorial Scholarship Fund at The University of Notre Dame as follows:

To donate by mail, make out checks to The University of Notre Dame, attn: Rebecca Draper Townsend Memorial Scholarship Fund. Mailing address: The University of Notre Dame, Department of Development, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556

To donate online, access giving.nd.edu, select “Financial Aid” and include “Rebecca Draper Townsend Memorial Scholarship Fund” in notes.

Arrangements by Green Funeral Home, Danbury.