Regina Mae Hollberg

Regina Mae (Gobatti) Hollberg passed away on the 12th of October 2023. Regina was born August 25, 1927, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Sarah T. (Durkin) Gobatti, of Irish descent, and Edmond F. Gobatti, who had immigrated from Italy. Regina married John J. Hollberg in 1950, and they had a wonderful life together until his untimely death in 1973. She is survived by sons Leo, John E., and Kurt Hollberg, grandchildren John A. and Joanie Hollberg, great- granddaughter Charlotte Hollberg, daughters-in-law Diane and Judy Hollberg, a sister-in-law Clair Harvey, and nine nieces and nephews.

Regina’s mother, Sarah (Durkin) Gobatti, passed away when Regina was only 12 years old and her sister Aldea 10. Her father Edmond later married Fleeta (Merryfield) Gobatti, who then joined the small family. Regina was preceded in death by Aldea (Gobatti) Sabo, who died exactly nine years earlier on October 12, 2014.

Regina loved music and, in her youth, was a talented pianist who participated and competed in music events and competitions. Regina attended Denver University, where she graduated with a degree in business in the late 1940’s.

Regina was an enthusiastic homemaker, mother and wife with boundless energy and optimism.

When her husband John died at a young age, Regina took over the ownership and management of the rather complex operations of the Hollberg Greenhouses in Englewood, Colorado. Hollberg Greenhouses primarily grew carnations and roses, shipping them throughout North America for decades. Regina served effectively as a combined CEO-CFO for the family-owned business. She always enjoyed the business and financial aspects as well as interacting with people.

Her business energies carried through to her passion for investment in the stock market. She invested on her own and as a 40+ year member of the local Mutual Fun Investment Club. Regina was constantly looking for unusual and unique investments.

No matter where she was, Regina’s outgoing personality connected with everyone around her.

She always wanted to know and understand other people in all walks of life. Regina had an adventuresome spirit and curiosity about the world that, among other things, included exploring exotic/unusual directions with cooking, raising bees, and mushroom hunting. She was a long-time member of the Royal Gorge gourmet group, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and the Colorado Mycological Society. The solar eclipse appearing in the heavens just after her death seemed a fitting, poetic tribute to her remarkable life.

Regina approached everything with her indomitable positive spirit. Small of stature but very, very strong and tough mentally, that inner strength was often disguised by her purely joyful spirit and ever optimistic outlook. Regina led her life with honesty and integrity, and her positive spirit was an inspiration for everyone around her.

Those wishing to pay tribute are invited to donate in Regina's honor to The Colorado Trail Foundation at

WWW.COLORADOTRAIL.ORG/DONATE

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the Hollberg family.