Regina Ann McKenna

Regina Ann Kiefer McKenna passed away peacefully on November 20th, 2023. She was surrounded by family all that day. Born at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Center, LI, she was raised in Franklin Square with her family. Regina was the eldest daughter of the late Veronica and Henry Kiefer. They chose her name very appropriately as she certainly was the family Queen. She is survived by her husband, Edward “OB” McKenna; their son Edward F. McKenna, Jr. (Dana), her siblings Bud (Patty), Maureen (Dick), Ellen (Mike), and Kenny (Cindy); grandson Price; many nieces and nephews, Jennifer, Melissa (Chris), Mike (Krissy), Matt (Kristina), Kelly (Pete), Lauren (Rob), Kerri (Anthony), Joey, Christine, Michelle, John (Cathy), Kevin, Kerri-Ann, and Patrick; and a number of grand nieces and nephews. She was also pre-deceased by her brother-in-law Neil (Terry), and her nephew Firefighter Michael Kiefer, a hero of 9/11. She attended St. Catherine of Sienna Elementary School and Dominican Commercial High School. Early in her career, she moved into the world of education as a young administrator in the guidance department of New Hyde Park Memorial High School. There she helped young people and gave perspective to the many guidance counselors who worked with her there. Through mutual friends, she was set up on a blind date with the man who would eventually become the love of her life, Ed (always referred to as OB), and they went on to celebrate 54 years of blissful marriage. She created a home in Port Jefferson Station, NY where her new family life began. She went on to help organize transportation logistics in the Sewnahaka school district and made sure every child from K to 12 made it to their school and back home safely. It was during this time that she took a brief sabbatical to accomplish her greatest achievement, her son Ed, Jr. She was an outstanding mother and wife. Wherever home was, it became the hub of activity for Ed and his friends (and all of the adult friends too). Reg was the second mother to Ed’s friends. When Ed, Jr. was five, she supported the family move to Delaware and broadened her accomplishments by chairing the parish Christmas bazaar and then becoming president of the sponsoring organization, as well as supporting various other roles within St. John the Beloved School. Once Ed was in his teenage years, Reg returned to education for the next 24 years. She worked for an elementary school for children with learning differences called “The College School” and helped transition it into the University of Delaware as a “lab” school. Having managed several relocations of the school within the campus, and multiple leadership changes, she thrived under several directors of the school with whom she remained friends for life. She later retired having completed a career of supporting faculty and administrators, improving every organization she touched and helping young people through their education. Shortly after retirement, she relocated with OB to Richmond, VA to be close to Ed and Dana. Soon, she was thrilled to welcome a grandson, Edward Price (always called Price). Her new role as Grandma was a joy for her, and they developed a very strong bond. A private service will be held on January 26th at The Amelia Veterans’ Cemetery in Virginia. After the service, a celebration of her life will be held at The Commonwealth Club in Richmond, Virginia from 6PM – 8PM, 401 West Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23220. A Celebration of Life will be held at Deerfield Country Club on February 24, 2024 from 1 PM to 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Regina’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (lls.org).