Regina Anne (Turner) Letares, (“Gram”) age 84, of Manchester, NH, was called Home by The Lord to be with her eternal family on Saturday, July 15, 2017. Regina was our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt. She was our true unsung hero. There was no one like her.
Regina was the oldest daughter born to the late Harry and Blanche (Ciskowski) Turner, on October 3, 1932 at Ft. Monroe, Virginia. Regina grew up as a military brat to a WWI & WWII military dad during the Great Depression and World War II era living throughout the US.
Regina’s unique upbringing allowed her to attend various schools throughout the US. She finally settled in Manchester in the early 1940’s after her dad was assigned to Grenier Military Air Field. Regina attended Manchester Central High School. Regina was also a lifelong learner.
Regina’s love and enjoyment came from her family, reading the newspaper, crossword and Sudoku puzzles, and a daily regimen of watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She then capped off the day with a nightly book and a Natural Lite. She was a unique, gentle and kind-hearted spirit who had a gentle soul. She lived a humble life of simplicity, but had a profound impact on everyone around her.
Regina’s true dedication in life was in raising her younger siblings when her dad unexpectedly died when she was 14. She then went on to raise her (6) children almost single handily on her own. She never complained, or made excuses despite living under harsh circumstances. Regina was an incredibly strong woman who endured to the end with unwavering courage, strength, perseverance and faith. She lived an entire life helping and putting others before herself. Her background is testament to this in both her personal and professional lives. Regina also dedicated herself to her profession. She used her strong work ethic as a professional cook for retired priests at Bishop Peterson Residence, to nursing home patients, along with working for inner-city residents and newly arriving immigrants to Manchester while she was also employed for many years with both Pearl Manor and The Way Home.
Regina was an ultra-private person who maintained a strong faith in God yet lived out her faith in action openly by helping others and fulfilling God’s Greatest Commandment of “Love”. From helping the neighborhood kids with injuries, or opening up her home to cook for friends and neighbors, to helping strangers, Regina epitomized selfless giving that made the world better around her.
Regina was well liked and respected, and was a no non-sense straight-shooter. She was an earthy, ‘real as can be’ person rooted in her deep Louisiana Cajun roots. She had a unique core spirit with idiosyncrasies that will not be forgotten. It was these simple things in life that mattered most to her family.
She also possessed an uncanny and unparalleled green thumb that were reflective in her vegetable and flower gardens. Her dichotomy of interests ranged in her amazing ability to cook, to being a voracious reader, loved going to Pittsburg, NH with her family, to her beloved pets (Tucker, Ziggy and Sky).
Regina’s legacy coupled with her signature “Thank The Good Lord” will live on for eternity.
Regina is survived by her children, Elizabeth, John and his wife Mary, Christine and her partner Chris, and Stephen all of Manchester. She was also predeceased by her son Gregory and her daughter Rhea. She also leaves a sister Mary Prive and brother Anthony Turner both of Manchester, and Harry Jr., of Orlando, Florida. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren Stephanie, Ryan and wife Morgan, Zoe, Kelsey and Jon; great grandchildren Phoebe, Hannah and Matteo, extended family in Louisiana, several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Regina requested a private burial service which will be honored. A Celebration of Life will occur for family, friends and anyone who want to pay their respect to Regina and the family. More information can be obtained from: [email protected]
In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to The Way Home, 237 Spruce Street, Manchester, NH 03103.
The family is grateful for the superior care our dear beloved mother received and wish to thank all of those involved during her last few years, especially Dr. Stahl, Dr. French and Dr. Mills. A big thank you to the entire Bedford Hills Center nursing and staff, Visiting Nurse Association, Hospice Care, and all other health care providers involved. A special thank you to Pastor David from the St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Bedford for mother’s spiritual care.
Until we meet again…we miss and love you mother beyond words. You are now Home!
Arrangements under the direction of McHugh Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Manchester, NH.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5