AUSTINTOWN — Regina F. Liesek, 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at Hospice House surrounded by her son. She was a loving and compassionate daughter, sister, niece, mother and aunt. She was accepted into the arms of her beloved God.
She was born February 6, 1938 in Youngstown to Roland Reinthaler and Caroline Lavaldio. Born and raised in Briar Hill, she graduated from Ryen High School in 1955, where she was a majorette.
Regina was a devout woman who began and ended each day with prayer. She attended St. Rocco’s Episcopal Church and was active in the St. Anne’s Altar Guild. She helped with vestments and altar linens, and organized floral memorials for each holiday as a selfless service to God and the church community. After St. Rocco’s closed, she attended regular services at St. James’s Episcopal Church and St. Michael’s Catholic Church whenever possible, and appeared on television for services when her health was too weak to attend in person. .
Regina retired from General Motors’ Packard Electric division, which manufactured wiring harnesses for GM cars and trucks.
She was an avid reader who loved going to libraries and loved bookstores. Her favorite subject was historical fiction.
Regina loved square dancing and was a member of Jags Station and the Happy Bunch Square Dance Club, where she met the love of her life, Raymond Liesek.
Regina and Ray shared 20 years of marriage and happiness, traveling the United States and the world while building a loving and caring home in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, where they lived until 2018.
After Raymond’s death, Regina moved to the Inn at Poland Way assisted living facility where she enjoyed independent living and a retirement community. She is dedicated to helping residents and served as president of the residents’ council for two years.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father. her brother, Joseph Reinthaler; and her late husband, Raymond J. Liesek.
Regina was also well known for her compassion as a caregiver to her family. She was cared for by her mother, father, brother, husband, and her aunts Jane Lavaldio, Josephine Peplow, Carmela Tatar, Mary Vowell, and Lena Nero.
She is survived by a son, Rex Bohler of Austintown, with whom Regina made her home. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Tammy Rivera and Joe (Linda) Reinthaler of Youngstown; Regina also leaves a stepdaughter, Meredith (Liesek) Terracio of Beaver Falls; Step-grandson. six great-nephews; and her great-niece.
Calling hours will be Thursday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon at St. James Episcopal Church, 7640 Glenwood Ave., Boardman. Mass will follow at noon, followed immediately by a luncheon in the church hall.
Regina will be buried in Belmont Cemetery with a private family funeral.
The family requests that all material tributes be directed to Salesian Missions (www.salesianmissions.org).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.
(Notices)