Regina Josephine Smith

Beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and lifelong friend, Regina J. Smith passed away Saturday June 24, 2023 in Rhode Island from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. She was 93.

Born on February 21, 1930 in New York City, to parents Helen LaBrecque nee Kuchar and Regis (Blackie) LaBrecque, Regina (or Tina as most would call her) grew up during the depression, which would shape the rest of her life. The oldest of five children, Tina would dutifully watch over her three sisters, Amanda (Sis), Louise, Michaelina and her brother Ricky whenever needed.

A staunch patriot, who lost her beloved Uncle John in WWII, Tina participated in the Women’s Land Army program, picking crops for the war effort. She later went to work at the Federal Reserve in Manhattan until she married and became a full-time house wife. She would eventually move to Long Island, where she raised her six children, and in the mid-seventies went back to work as a school bus driver (her students affectionately called her Smitty) so she could have the same time off as her children.

Tina was always civically engaged and held a life-long passion for Conservative politics and was a member of the Constitution Party. She valued integrity and honesty and always stood up for her beliefs.

Tina was always there to support her family and friends. On numerous occasions–too many to mention–she took in and supported family members, friends and stray animals whenever the need arose. She didn’t have much, but what she had she gave freely to others. She was our rock, the Matriarch of our family.

Once all her children grew up and left the nest, Tina left Long Island for Florida to write the next chapter of her life and be close to her sisters. She continued to work as a school bus and trolley driver well into her seventies before retiring. Her retired years were happy ones, spent with her sisters, Sis and Louise, and close friend Loretta Costello, going to shows at the clubhouse, swimming, and holding their weekly Friday night card games.

Regina is predeceased by her sisters Michaelina, Louise and Amanda, brother Ricky, and sons Dan Gary and Douglas Alan (Lori). She is survived by her son David (Julie), daughters Donna and Diane (Don), son Darren (Mary), grandchildren Mark, Matthew, Chris, Jenny, Danielle, Rayanna, David, Jacqueline, Melissa and Alan, and her seventeen great-grandchildren.

The family will hold a memorial at a later date. Those who wish to honor her, can donate to an Alzheimer’s research foundation.

She will be missed so much and in our hearts forever.