Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Connie Lee Regina

June 26, 1940 - Oct. 4, 2001

 

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.