Submitted by: Dan Rich
Connie Lee Regina
South Bend Tribune 10/5/2001
Connie L. Regina, 61, a resident of
Mishawaka, Ind., passed away at 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4, in
her home after her year-long battle against brain cancer. Connie
was born in Mishawaka on June 26, 1940, and lived in this area
all her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, George
and Mae (Groh) Dentino.
On Jan. 14, 1961, in Fort Belvoir, Va., she
married Richard G. Regina, who was serving in the Army at that
time. He survives. She is also survived by her brother, Gary
(Karen) Dentino; her three sons, Jeff (Shelley), Mark (Marylou)
and Larry (Shelley); and four grandchildren whom she loved with
all her heart, Ashley, Kelsey, Paige and Bradley.
Connie graduated from Mishawaka High School
in 1958. After graduation, Connie worked at several businesses
including Sibley Machine & Foundry Corporation, the
University of Notre Dame (student accounts), Stone Container and
Telephone Company as switchboard operators while living in South
Bend, Ind. After moving back to Mishawaka, she began to do the
one thing she loved more than anything - babysitting. Connie ran
a day care in her home for 29 years. She was a "second
mom" to many children and she loved them all. Connie also
had a talent for art. She made various craft items in her spare
time and participated in many craft bazaars. Painting ceramics is
what she liked best. She loved going to Dale Hollow Lake in
Tennessee. She and Richard visited there eight years in a row for
vacations with their boat. Connie was also a huge Elvis Presley
fan.
Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6
p.m. to 8 p.m. today, Oct. 5, with wake prayers at 7:30 p.m. in
the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Funeral
services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, in St.
Monica's Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. Derrick Sneyd
officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.
Contributions in memory of Connie may be made to Hospice of St.
Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637-3474;
or to the American Cancer Society, 535 W. Edison, Unit #6,
Mishawaka, IN 46545. Even through Connie's illness, at night
before she went to sleep she would pray for others and their
needs before she would pray for her own. A loving wife and
mother. We love you Mom.