Regina Filipczak

The skies have a new shining star in the heavens.  Regina Irene Filipczak, who was born on February 3, 1922 took her final journey on February 19, 2024 at the age of 102.  Regina was born in Philadelphia to Joseph Jesiołowski and Mary Piotrowska.  She was the 3rd of 5 children and the first girl.  That gave her a special place in her father's eye.  

As a young woman during the Great War, she worked as one of those iconic, strong and very important women, "Rosie the Riveter".  She started her writing career then, writing the company newsletter.  Her love of writing led to writing wartime penpal letters to our men in the service.  This is how she met the love of her life, Theodore.  Their love blossomed and they were married for 72 beautiful years. 

 She is deeply loved by her 5 children, Monica Welch (Ken dec.), Andrea Staley (Curt), Caryn Sucharski (David dec.), Norman (Patti) and Lisa.  She was grandmother of Andrew (Yada), Natalie (Jonathan), Ryan (Brigitte), David (Leah), Caroline (Kevin), Julia, Michael (Karissa) and Lisa Anne, and the great grandmother of Mackenzie, Emma, Alana, Elisabeth, Shane, Anya, Walter, Matthew, Mark and Abigale.  

In Bridesburg, where they lived, Regina was co-proprietor of "R" Place Variety Store, and became a business staple in the neighborhood for many years.  And in case you didn't know, the 'R' did stand for Regina.  If you visited Regina, there was always coffee in the pot to be poured, and most likely sweets to be shared.  But the best part of those visits were the stories she would tell.  She always had something to tell you, a story, a joke, and always a big smile and lots of love.  She would gladly and proudly share her famous recipes, like cherry bon-bons.  And if you had a question about the process, you sure better have called her to get her experience and special tricks to make it right.  

She did so many things - she was a seamstress (we often had matching dresses for the holidays), cake decorating, crocheting (every couple got an afghan from "Babci"/grandmom), and organized PTA themed costume parties.  She was the life of every party. Her last project was to take those stories she told us all, and compile them in a book.  She wanted the younger generation to know "what it was like".  Her legacy will continue.    Regina was a member of St John Cantius Parish, Bridesburg Businessmen's Association and American Legion Post 821 Auxiliary, amongst many other church and community groups.  

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Regina’s Life Celebration on Friday 7 to 9 P.M., and Saturday, 9:30 to 11:30 A.M., at JOHN F. GIVNISH OF ACADEMY RD., 10975 Academy Rd., Phila., followed by her Funeral Mass Saturday, 12 Noon, at St. John Cantius Church, Thompson & Orthodox Sts. Interment Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.