Regina Schmitt Collyer, 79, of East Orleans, MA and Southport, NC, died on September 9, 2017.
Regina was born on July 13, 1938 in New York, NY. Shortly after her birth, her parents Harold and Virginia Schmitt, moved the family to Cranford, NJ where she attended St. Michael’s Catholic School, Cranford, NJ and Benedictine Academy, in Elizabeth, NJ. Regina received her bachelor’s degree at Benedictine College in Atchinson, KS.
After college, she moved to St. Louis, MI where she met her husband Curt. Their life together of 54+ years took them to Ohio, Illinois, Connecticut, France, Massachusetts and North Carolina.
Regina joins her husband Curt in eternal rest. Curt, passed October 28, 2016. She is survived by their 5 children Karen & Mike Lafferty of Charlotte, NC, John & Tracy Collyer of Derry, NH, Christine & Jim Bruner of Ashford, CT, David & Kelly Collyer of Cranford, NJ, Bill Collyer of Hermitage, TN , 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
A devout catholic, Regina spent her life loving her family, friends and her church. Over the years, Regina was an active volunteer with her church: a Faith Formation teacher, a Eucharistic Minister, an advocate for senior citizens, church thrift shop book coordinator, baking for Right To Life fundraisers and supported various Ladies Guild craft fairs. Her fingerprints are left at St Michael, Cranford, NJ, St Richards, North Olmstead, OH, Christ the King, Trumbull, CT, St Joan of Arc, Orleans, MA and Sacred Heart, Southport, NC, St Mark, Huntersville, NC and Holy Spirit, Denver, NC.
When asked about her life’s greatest accomplishment, she smiled with pride and shared “raising my five children and my marriage to their father”.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, at Sacred Heart in Southport, where she and Curt will be laid together in their eternal resting place.
Memorials may be made to Novant Health Hospice Foundation or your local hospice organization.
Novant Health
Foundation Administration Department
1601 Elizabeth Avenue, Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28204
Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories ease your pain.
The Bereavement Ministry Team and the Parish Community of St. Mark Catholic Church extend our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Be assured that you and your family are in our prayers.