Regina Pistor

Regina Pistor, charming, beautiful, compassionate, clever, wise, consummate family woman, died Epiphany Monday morning, January 6, 2020 after a brief battle with cancer. Regina was born November 16, 1929 in the Czech community of Penelope, Texas to Jeff and Frances Prikryl. After high school, where she was a star state basketball player for the Penelope Wolverines, Regina attended The University of Texas, Austin where she would meet the love of her life, Charles H. Pistor, former CEO of Republic Bank.

The September 1952 marriage of this small town farm girl turned UT beauty queen to the handsome ROTC cadet began a life adventure filled with wide circles of friends, extensive travel for work and pleasure, lots of tennis doubles, generosity of time and resources supporting church, SMU, Dallas Summer Musicals and a multitude of helping organizations. Regina was integral in the development and growth of The Dallas Heritage Village, an expression of her love of history. Regina was unquestionably ‘the wind beneath my wings’ for her beloved Charles, who died July 2012, on the cusp of celebrating their 60th anniversary.

In so many ways Regina and Charles embraced their partnership in work and play, nothing was more important than family. Like many mothers, Regina was the glue, the negotiator, always ready to listen, too often worrying, center point for her children, as well as for extended family members.

Those who will miss her deeply, yet carry her memory and legacy with immense gratitude, include her three children and their spouses: Lori Pistor and Terry Allebaugh, Durham, NC; Chuck and Cheri Pistor, Monument, CO; Jeff and Elise Pistor, Colleyville, TX; the next generation, most calling her Nana or Gina: Jeyhoun and Allison Allebaugh; Matthew and Catherine Pistor; Blake and Brittney Pistor; Scott and Lindsay Pistor; Austin Pistor; Jeffrey Pistor; Alexandra Regina Pistor, her namesake with whom she shared a birthday. In addition to her grandchildren, in recent years her great joy was her great-grandchildren Emilia, Hunter Kate, as well as the anticipated arrival of Kayla in February.

Regina was devoted to her siblings including her older sister, Pauline, and her younger brother, Ed and his wife Betty as well as to their children: Lisa, Tammy, Joey; Patty and Ed, Jr. Extended family members include Ginger (Pistor) and Doug Simmons, Walter and Hildegard Pistor and their families.

On November 16, 2019 the immediate family gathered to celebrate Regina on the occasion of her 90th birthday, incredibly thankful to festively express love and admiration for this amazing woman, having no idea that this goodbye would come so unexpectedly soon.

Regina’s life will be celebrated with embraces and stories at a visitation on Friday, January 10th from 4-6 pm at Sparkman Hillcrest. A memorial service, giving thanks to God, trusting in the Lord’s eternal care will be Sparkman Hillcrest on Saturday at 9:30 am with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Dallas Heritage Village or a charity of your choice.

The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it...