Regina Marie Esser

Regina Marie Esser, of Fullerton, CA, passed away on December 28, 2022. She was born on August 1, 1929, to Jacob and Anna Schaefer, in Chicago, IL. She grew up with eight siblings in Aurora, IL, and graduated from Madonna High School in 1947.

She met the love of her life, Alan Clare Esser, at a church juke box dance on a Friday the 13th in 1945. They were married on June 16, 1951, after Alan graduated from West Point. She cherished being married to Alan and was a devoted wife. Regina and Alan were stationed in many places all over the world during Alan’s twenty-four year career in the Army, including Virginia, Missouri, Japan, Iowa, Germany, New York, Alaska, Kansas, Arizona, Hawaii, and New Mexico. Regina held down the fort when Alan served two tours of duty: one in Korea and one in Vietnam.

After being married for seven years, Regina and Alan were blessed with their first child in 1958, with four more children following. Regina was thrilled to be a mother and dedicated her life to being a wonderful, loving mother. She excelled at caring for her family, was an amazing cook and baker, supported her children in their interests, and was their consummate cheerleader. She threw many fabulous parties and was the best hostess, making all who attended feel welcome and special.

Regina loved to serve others and was very involved in her parish community. She actively participated in altar care, the bereavement committee, Juliana Jewels, and their annual parish festival. She joined Alan in serving at the Armory and on Corazon house builds.

Regina is survived by her children, Laura Erland, Linda Molina, Patty Lang, Gerry Esser, and Mary Tinsley; their spouses, Brian Erland, Tom Molina, Mike Lang, Tricia Esser and Gary Tinsley; their children, Allison Erland, Alexandra Lang, Hannah Taylor, Emily Lang, AJ Esser, Elena Esser, Benjamin Tinsley and Katie Tinsley; her older sister, Annie Deutsch and younger brother, Ray Schaefer.

A vigil will be held at McAulay & Wallace Mortuary in Fullerton, on January 11, 2023. Viewing from 6:00-7:00, service at 7:00. Funeral Mass will be held on January 12 at St. Juliana Falconieri Church in Fullerton at 10:00, with reception immediately following in the parish center.

Donations may be made in her honor to Right to Life, St. Juliana Falconieri Church or St. Vincent De Paul.