Regina M. Holmes

On the morning of May 9th, 2017, Regina Marie Holmes lost her six-year battle with an extremely rare and aggressive form of breast cancer at Monmouth Medical Center - Southern Campus in Lakewood, NJ. She was 45 years old. In one sense, our family is strangely elated that she is no longer in pain. In another sense, it's heart wrenching to see such a vibrant, life giving human being's life extinguished far too early.

Despite the trials and tribulations that her life presented to Regina, she still somehow managed to remain one of the sweetest human beings ever born. Regina was always trying to help someone else, despite her own severe need for help. Working her way through with her chin and spirit held up high. Tough as a bucket of nails, and sweet as a bowl of sugar all at once.

Regina was born on July 29, 1971 to the joy of her parents, Bonita Medina and Johnny Holmes.

Weighing in just over two pounds, they knew from the start she would be a strong fighter.

She was educated in Ramtown Elementary Schools, graduating in 1990 from Lakewood High School.

Regina had a real zest for life and people.

She worked mostly in Food Service and Healthcare, finishing her career as a Home Health Aide with Home Helpers after her diagnosis.

Many would have folded early under the pressure she endured. But, she simply refused to live on her knees, and pushed back as long, and hard as her body and spirit could afford.

We are beyond proud of Regina. When we thought that the end was near on numerous occasions over the past few years, she joked us out of that belief, and rebounded...repeatedly. It's mind blowing how consistent she was able to be with that, for the past six years.

Regina's threshold for pressure has been an inspiration to those she left behind to cherish her memory:

her parents Bonita Medina of Toms River, NJ, Johnny Walter Holmes (Anita) of Frederica, DE; one brother: John "Tony" Holmes (Michelle) of Manchester, NJ; two uncles: Rich Medina of Philadelphia, PA, and Bobby Holmes of Green Cove Springs, FL; three aunts: Ella Mae Dotson (Robert) of St. Marys, GA, Lessie Mae Hodge (Greg), Englishtown, NJ, and Catherine Walker of Exmore, VA. Her maternal grandparents: Janet Turkmany of Toms River, NJ and Victor Medina of Kenbridge, VA; Three nephews, and a HOST of cousins, great aunts, great uncles, and friends.

Thank you, Regina for blessing us here on earth as long as you were able to. You were a model for making the most of what you have, and always trying to see the brighter side of things. As your family, we know we speak for just about everyone else who knows you too...and we are honored that you chose us to be your blood family, amongst all the community family members who can call you family and mean it.

We will carry on in your name with the highest regard, recalling our conversations and points of reference as priceless jewels until we all come to join you in the next life. Sleep well Ladybug. You can now rest with your daughter Angel Marie. You've put in enough work for 10 men. Thank you. We got the rest.