It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for her life that we announce the passing of Mary Angela (Messier) Hatch, age 84, of Wilmington, NC, formerly of Gouverneur, NY. She passed peacefully in her home on July 2, 2026, with loving family and caregivers beside her. She lived her life devoted to her faith and her family with grace, compassion, and unwavering love.
Mary was born in Malone, NY, on August 24, 1941, the daughter of Armand and Blanche Messier. Growing up and living in Gouverneur for 70 years, she made lifelong friends. She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1959 with a Regents Diploma. She enjoyed and participated in the Dean Oratoricals and school plays.
Mary married Richard Hatch in October 1959. They shared a wonderful life together for 64 years. Together they managed the sometimes challenging task of raising four boys. A job well done. Being a mom is what Mary enjoyed the most. Always looking out for her boys and their friends. Her home was always open to all. She also managed to fit in several other jobs through these years: gym teacher and cafeteria cook at St. James School, dental assistant, retail work at Kaplan’s Department Store, Totem Grocery, Carl’s Drug, and as a caregiver in the Gouverneur area.
Mary enjoyed reading her Bible, daily prayers for her family and friends, watching Christian TV, old movies, knitting hundreds of pairs of slippers and blankets, going for walks, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends. She was an avid letter writer. The letters were all written with love and compassion in her beautiful handwriting.
Mary was very generous to charities and people in need. She attended church regularly and was a member of St. James Church, Assembly of God Church, and Life Point Church.
Mary and Dick moved to Wilmington, NC, in 2013, to enjoy their retirement years and be closer to family members.
She is survived by her four sons: Michael (Jodi) of Sylvia Lake, NY, James (Ginger) of Cary, NC, William (Tammy) of Wilmington, NC, Scott (Chris) of Wilmington, NC, as well as grandchildren Eric (Jennifer) Hatch, Jennifer Hatch Knight, Alex (Lora) Hatch, Tyler Hatch, Ryan Hatch, great-grandchildren Charlotte Hatch, Violet Hatch, Miles Knight, brother Roger (Julie) Messier, and sister Ann Farr.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Armand and Blanch Messier, her husband Richard Hatch, brother Michael Messier, brother-in-law Bradley Farr, grandson-in-law Matthew Knight, and great granddaughter Nora Claire Knight.
Our love and prayers go out to Mary’s caregivers, Wanda Norman and Kristi Harris. The love and care given to mom is greatly appreciated. Thank you to Lower Cape Fear Life Care of Wilmington for the guidance and tender medical care given to our mom.
Mary would remind us to know the Lord, tell you she is praying for us and say; “goodbye for now.” There are no calling hours. Her family will celebrate Mary at a later date. Donations in her memory can be made to Lower Cape Fear Life Care, Wilmington, NC or the Gouverneur Public Library, Gouverneur, NY.