GRANBY – Linda T. (Diamond) Messenger, 88, a longtime resident of Green Meadow Lane in Granby, was Called Safely Home on Sunday, January 17, 2016. She passed into Eternal Life at Mont Marie Health Care in Holyoke surrounded by the care and comfort of her loving family. She was born in Springfield on August 22, 1927, a daughter of the late Patrick and Linda (Ratelle) Diamond. She was raised in the Brightwood section of Springfield, graduated from Cathedral High School at the age of 16 and lived in Springfield for many years before moving to Granby in 1976. She was employed as an Office Manager for the Massachusetts Migrant Education Program in Holyoke and retired in 1992. During her leisure time, Linda was an avid reader, enjoyed going to concerts at various parks and visiting her many friends. She also loved to write cards, letters and notes to family and friends. Most of all, she was a caring woman who loved her family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband and best friend, Richard H. Messenger who was Called Home on December 30, 1993. They were married at Sacred Heart Church in Springfield on January 10, 1948 and were blessed with over 45 years of happiness together. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by three brothers, Everett, Shed and Sonny; and her six sisters, Dorothy, Betty, Ginger, Bert, Shirley and Patricia. She leaves her loving son and daughter-in-law, Richard C. Messenger and his wife, Ann, of West Springfield; her loving daughter and son-in-law, Lisa A. Montagna and her husband, Christopher, of Manchester, ME; her seven grandchildren, Andrew Roberts and his wife, Kelly, Zachary Roberts and his wife, Veronica, Lauren Messenger and her companion, Michael Thomas, Erin Messenger and her companion, Jeffrey Bailey, Rachel Messenger and her companion, Kyle Perry, Alex Montagna and Maya Montagna; her three great-grandchildren, Adam, Ethan and Emily Roberts; her dear brother, Robert Diamond and his wife, Maureen; her two dear sisters, Edna Opitz of Springfield and Muriel Messenger of Texas; her dear brother-in-law, Roy P. Messenger and his wife, Shirley, of Chicopee; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Messenger and Diamond families. Her relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday morning, January 21, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by a Prayer Service at 11 a.m. at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. The parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear of the funeral home at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. Her burial will be private for her family at a later date at West Cemetery in Granby. Her family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in her memory to the Friends of the Granby Public Library, 297 East State Street, Granby, MA 01033. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com