Eleanor R. Messersmith, 87, of Rockford passed away Sunday, January 15, 2017. Born June 19, 1929, in Rockford, the daughter of Anthony and Margaret (Matalovich) Remencius. Eleanor married Bernard Messersmith on April 7, 1951 in Rockford. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, where she was a part of the church cleaning group, the “Holy Dusters.” Eleanor loved flowers and gardening. Lovingly survived by her husband, Bernard; daughter, Laura (Andrew) Sustich; grandchildren, Thomas Leonard and Sara Sustich and sister, Lillian Hansen. Predeceased by her parents, daughter, Jean Marie and brother, Leonard Remencius. Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at church on Wednesday. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, assisted the family. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.