Wilma "Becka" (Recklitis) Messina

Wilma “Becka” (Recklitis) Messina of Melrose passed peacefully in her sleep on March 13, 2026 at the age of 93. Born on March 10, 1933 in Somerville, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Florence (Chopelas) Recklitis. Her family moved to Malden, Massachusetts, when she was entering first grade.

Her family stayed in Malden for the rest of her childhood. She first worked as a waitress at the age of fourteen in her father’s restaurant for “no pay”. She graduated from Malden High School, where she also played on the varsity basketball team. There was a newspaper article with a photo of her with the caption “Recklitis flies again”.

She had a love of education and music. Her love of education and music followed her for her entire life. She graduated from the Boston University College of Fine Arts, where she met her future husband, Joe. After graduation, she became a teacher, teaching both English and music. She taught in the Reading and Melrose school systems. She then became a piano teacher until her retirement. She and her husband were very involved with the Melrose community through many venues including the Melrose Community Players, the Melrose High School musicals, and the Melrose Congregational Church.

Becka was a devoted mother and wife, who always put her family first. She was the beloved wife of 67 years to Joseph Messina of Melrose. Devoted sister to the late Christopher Recklitis, the late Paul Recklitis, Elaine (Recklitis) Valverde, and Ann (Recklitis) Knowles. Loving mother of Daniel Messina and his wife Maryellen “Mel” Messina and Andrea Messina. She was the proud grandmother of Nicholas and Alexandria “Andie” Messina.

Visiting hours will be held at Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster Street, Melrose, on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment will follow at Forestdale Cemetery in Melrose. In lieu of flowers kindly consider a donation to the Mystic Valley Elder Services or the Dementia Society of America.

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