Regina Huemmer was born on March 31, 1932, to Michael and Harriet Sweeney in Manhattan, N.Y. She passed away on November 2, 2024, at the age of 92 years old.
Regina was predeceased by her husband John J. Huemmer, married on June 10, 1950, as well has her sister Veronica McConnell. She is survived by her two children and their spouses, Kathleen (and Mitchel) Jaros and John (and Sandra) Huemmer. She is also survived by her many grandchildren, Dawn (and Christopher) Castillo, Keith (and Brandy) Jaros, Michael (and Chasity) Huemmer, Jennifer (and Cristian) Chirila, Amanda Drane (and Wayne Jones), and Laura Huemmer. She is survived by seven great-grandchildren, including Ashley Castillo, Jason Jaros, Kaleigh Jaros, Gabriel Huemmer, Brandon Castillo, Malakai Huemmer, and Maevyn Huemmer. She is also survived by one great-great grandchild, Adriana DeSantis.
Regina was fiercely independent, fearless, loyal, and the most supportive and loving mother and grandmother. Those who knew her well would describe her as stubborn, in a way that not only tested your patience but also taught you what it means to have conviction. She never let anyone tell her what to do, who she should vote for, or that she couldn’t do something—like the time she went on a joyride and taught herself to drive after her husband refused to teach her.
Regina was blessed with many gifts. As a girl, she played the organ and sang “Ave Maria” for Mass at her church. She performed “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” for Mayor LaGuardia and won a scholarship for young entertainers to the Wally Jackson Studio. Her sport of choice was basketball, although she also liked to swim. But she is most recently recognized as an accomplished embroiderer.
Regina was the president of the Pocanic Bay chapter of the Embroiders Guild of America and was given her own art showing of over 20 pieces at the Salon Des Arts on February 8, 1987. One of her pieces, “The Cottage,” was valued at over $2,500. She and her grandson Keith collaborated on the design of a Christmas ornament that was featured in the White House ornament collection. This honor also included a White House invitation for its debut. She was highly sought after to teach and instructed several classes on her skillset.
Regina was a devoted wife who enjoyed traveling with her husband. She loved to tell stories of their adventures and the beautiful parts of the world they discovered. One of her favorite trips was with their best friends, Fran and Frank Mercurio, when they visited Hawaii.
Regina treasured her many friendships, referring to them fondly as “the girls.” She is survived by Fran Mercurio and Lucille Tims.
Regina had a love for dogs. Throughout her lifetime, there was Queenie, Boots, Ben, Lady, Shep, Nikki, and Korok. She appreciated a beautiful and well-groomed coat and would often brush them herself.
Beyond her interests and hobbies, Regina lived her life for her family. She was loyal in a way that most could never compare—from caring for her nephew when her sister passed, raising her own two children, tending to her elderly parents and great aunts, caring for her husband when he took ill to minding her six grandchildren and even her great-grandchildren. The duration of Regina’s life was peppered with many who depended on her, and she never failed to answer the call. She taught us the true meaning of loyalty and she did it with the utmost love and joy.
Regina leaves us with her example. She set the precedent for which we all will measure ourselves against, in times of hardship and in times of triumph. We will ask ourselves what she would have done, what she would have said. She taught us what is right, and she taught us what is wrong. She taught us the value of dependability and that you have nothing in this life if you don’t have your word. It is in these lessons that she will be remembered, as each generation teaches them to the next.
She will be greatly missed.
Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 10 a.m., at St. Peter’s Church, Main St., Great Barrington, MA, conducted by Rev. William P. Murphy. The family will receive friends on Thursday morning, November 7, from 9 to 9:45 a.m., at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington, MA.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society directly or c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to her family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com
