Regina (Jean) Ethel Murphy Eggleston, 97, passed away peacefully at Brown County Health and Living on Sunday, November 10, 2019. Jean was born on April 26, 1922 in Medford, Massachusetts. She was the only child of the late George and Ethel (Menzies) Murphy. On September 20, 1948, Jean married (Fred) John Eggleston, who preceded her in death on May 2, 2015. They were married for 67 years.
Jean is survived by 4 of their 5 children; Sharon (Jim) Helm, Mike (Leslie) Eggleston, Jim (Diann) Eggleston and Denise (Andy) Pajakowski. Their oldest daughter, Sandra Jean, preceded her in death on August 1, 1972. Jean is also survived by her grandchildren; Jason (Katie) Albright, Michelle (Jeremy) Smith, Jake (Jaci) Eggleston, Casey Eggleston, Nathan (Jordan) Eggleston, Delaney (Colin) Englert, Andrew (Felicia) Pajakowski and Adam Pajakowski; great grandchildren Jeremy Jr., Jackson, and Charlie Smith and Dalila Eggleston.
Both Jean and her husband, John, were proud United States Navy veterans who served during World War II. Jean loved being a part of the Waves and among the first women in the military. As a Wave, she was trained and worked as a Physical Therapy Technician at the U.S. Naval Hospital, Saint Albans, New York until her discharge in 1948 when she married John and began her life as a “Navy wife”. The next 20 years were filled with raising children and moving frequently to wherever the Navy sent them. Their family grew as they made their home in New York, Indiana, Illinois, California and Alaska. After raising her children, Jean enjoyed over 25 golden years with John in retirement in The Villages of Lady Lake, Florida before eventually moving back near family in Indiana. During her final years as changes in living arrangements were needed, Jean always graciously accepted those changes and would say, “I’m a Navy wife; I can live anywhere!”
Although she started life as a shy only child, Jean became a woman who would talk to anyone and enjoy laughing and flirting with the best of them. She had a big heart and would always look out for the disadvantaged in any situation. Over the years, she donated to various charities that provided aid to Native Americans and migrant workers, and even near the end of her life, would worry if she noticed a fellow nursing home resident was eating alone. She enjoyed the simple
pleasures of life; the warmth of the sun on her face, lively music, the laughter of friends and family, a good back scratching and anything chocolate for dessert. Although dementia eventually stole her memories, she was able to keep parts of her endearing and loving personality, as well as her playful sense of humor, until the end of her life. Jean often said, “I’m blessed”, even when her circumstances were less than ideal. It was this kind of attitude that made her a blessing to those around her.
We thank God for Jean’s long life, celebrate the many memories and joys of her time with us, and pray that she is restored and celebrating in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7, 2019 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 700 W. Maumee St., Angola, Indiana. Private inurnment will follow at Circle Hill Cemetery in Angola, Indiana.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Native American Rights Fund at www.narf.org .
Please leave condolences or special memories of Regina at: www.Hathaway-Myers.com.
Hathaway-Myers Chapel is serving the Eggleston family.
