Regina Marie Sarkozy

Regina is survived by her husband Lawrence Sarkozy, her children Jennifer Branch and Lawrence Sarkozy, her grandchildren Alex, Megan and Trevor Branch, and her siblings Jane and Edward Riley. She was preceded in death by her parents Sarah and Edward Riley.

Regina was born on September 25, 1946 in Malden, Massachusetts. She graduated top of her class from Malden Catholic High School in 1964 and went on to attend Tufts University, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in biology. She was the first in her family to graduate from college.

Larry and Regina met in a biology class at Tufts and were married in 1970. They welcomed their daughter Jennifer in 1970 and son Larry in 1976. They settled in Windham, New Hampshire, until Larry’s job brought them to California in 1983. They returned to Windham in 1991 and built their dream home on Cobbets Pond.

Regina became a gifted teacher at Woburn High after graduating from college. Her passion for learning and her beauty made her class very popular. Regina left the teaching profession to raise her children, as her family was her number one priority, but she eventually returned to the profession as an aid after her children left for college.

Regina was a dedicated and loving mother and wife. Whether volunteering in her children’s classrooms, helping with homework assignments, driving carpools, or leading art and science projects for her kids, her grandkids, and the neighborhood kids, she poured her heart into everything she did. She always said her children were her biggest accomplishment.

Regina was always positive and only had kind words of encouragement, support, and acceptance for those lucky enough to come into her orbit. She was a lifelong cheerleader, starting as an actual cheerleader in high school, and later encouraging her kids and her grandkids in all they did. She made three trips to California each year to celebrate the birthdays of her grandchildren and to serve as a personal cheering squad on the sidelines of their many sporting events. Her warmth and compassion extended to all who knew her.

After retiring, Regina volunteered for numerous charities that were near and dear to heart, including: the Shepherds Pantry (a food bank providing food assistance to families in need), Lazarus House Ministries (an emergency shelter and transitional housing program for homeless families and individuals), and Hands of Mercy (a group of volunteers providing assistance as needed to various Catholic ministries). Regina also enjoyed traveling with her family and friends, participating in book club with her “Biddy Buddies,” relaxing and admiring her view of the lake, and watching the sunset while looking for a green flash.

A memorial service for Regina is scheduled for January 18, 2023 at 1:30 pm at St. Brigid Parish (4735 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109), followed by a reception at Jennifer’s home (1332 Loring St. San Diego, CA 92109). The funeral Mass will be livestreamed at: https://vimeo.com/event/2762850/ee912bf71d Another service will be held in New Hampshire on a date yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to one of Regina’s favorite charities:

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The Shepherds Pantry Inc.

1 Church Rd Windham, NH 03087

shepherdspantry.net

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St. Gianna’s Place

PO Box 725

Londonderry, NH 03053

stgiannasplace.org

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Lazarus House Ministries

PO Box 408

Lawrence, MA 01842

lazarushouse.org

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