Arlene Louise Messersmith

Arlene Louise Beair Messersmith of Virginia Beach, VA passed away peacefully on November 4, 2018 in Marian Manor Assisted Living at the age of 95 years. She was born June 30, 1923 in Hagerstown, MD to John Luther Beair of Hagerstown, MD and Vada Key Lantz Beair of Deerfield, MD. Arlene grew up, raised a family, and worked in Hagerstown until joining her son in Virginia Beach in 2007. Arlene is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Elwood Messersmith, her parents and brother, John Luther Beair, II. She is lovingly remembered by her son, Ronald Edward Messersmith, daughter-in-law, Judith A. Gemske Messersmith, her grandchildren Mark J. Messersmith and Pamela L. Messersmith Galietta, four great grandchildren and her sister Helen Beair.

Arlene graduated from Hagerstown High School in 1941 and Columbia College of Commerce in 1942. After working for Nicodemus Bank, she married in 1946 and a few years later began working for Fairchild Aircraft Corporation, becoming the Pension Administrator for its' Hagerstown plant until retiring after 37 years in 1988. Throughout her years she enjoyed attending and working in her Church, bowling, golfing, biking, working out, gardening, sewing, world travel, ballroom dancing, volunteering and computer games like Free Cell and Mahjong.

Arlene was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority since 1944, and a life time member of The American Legion Auxilary Morris Frock Unit No. 42. A member of Grace United Methodest Church of Hagerstown all her life, she served at various times as treasurer of the local UWM, lay member to the District Conference, chaired the Finance and Staff Parish Committees, was a member of the Administrative Board, Junior Department teacher and superintendent, and treasurer and secretary for the District Mission Team of UMW. She volunteered in the RSVP Tax Aid Program, SR HICAP, RSVP Advisory Council, American Cancer Society, AARP National and Local Chapter 623, and TRIAD of Washington County. Socially, Arlene belonged to the Penn Mar Dance Club, Thurmont Dance Club, danced with the Potpouri Line Dancers, and bowled with Early Risers.

A memorial service will be held at Rest Haven Cemetery at 2 PM on Saturday, November 24, 2018, preceded by a greeting with family and friends beginning at 1 PM and followed by a reception until 4:30 PM. In lieu of flowers or gifts please make donations to Heritage Room Fund at Grace United Methodist Church of Hagerstown, MD.