Regina Betts

Regina was born in Paris on February 27, 1933, the elder daughter of Dora and Zalman Wojakowski, a Jewish couple who had emigrated from Poland to escape persecution. Regina and her sister Paulette survived the Holocaust seeking sanctuary at Catholic orphanages during World War II while their mother escaped to southern France. Their father was murdered at Auschwitz in 1942.

After reuniting with their mother, Regina and Paulette immigrated to the United States in 1949. Living in Brooklyn, Regina taught herself English and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. While studying at Brooklyn College, Regina began working in theater production as a stage manager and director. She met George Betts (d. 2018) while both were involved with the 4th Street Theater. They married in 1957 and, following the birth of their first child, moved to Europe for travel and studies.

Returning to Queens, Regina and George welcomed three more children. The young family engaged in various social causes and attended numerous protests. Their move in 1972 to tiny West Fulton, NY marked a new rural chapter in Regina’s life. During this time, she directed a number of theater productions and completed a Bachelor of Arts at Empire State College.

In 1984, Regina and George moved to Worcester, NY, where they started a small sheep farm. Regina received a Master of Arts from SUNY Albany, and subsequently joined the faculty, teaching courses in theater and the humanities. She also taught at SUNY Oneonta and became involved in community affairs and civil rights activism. She served as a board member of the NAACP in Oneonta and attended Temple Beth El.

Highly motivated and self-taught in theater, literature, culinary arts, and more, Regina inspired many with her vast knowledge, cultural appreciation, political views, and unique sense of humor. A fierce champion of social justice, she was as fervent in her advocacy as she was generous in hosting warm gatherings with her many friends and family.

Regina is survived by her sister, Paulette Dolle; her children: Thea (Orin, d. 2020), Chris (Diane), Dion (Laura), and Maia (James); her grandchildren: Dillon (Sarah), Terrin, Joseph, Henry, Sidney, Joshua, Jacob, Daniel, Sarah, Dora, Avery, and Rachel; and her great-grandson, Finley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Oneonta Area NAACP, P.O. Box 943, Oneonta, New York 1382