Regina Gapuz Garcia

On December 19, 2023, Regina Gapuz Garcia, age 94, passed away peacefully at home with her beloved daughter and son-in-law, Lilia and Romy at her side. Early that morning the clouds parted, and her angels ushered her to heaven. Regina was born to the late Eulalio and Victorina Gapuz on September 6, 1929 in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. Regina earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education at Saint Mary’s College and worked as a public-school teacher in her hometown of Inaban, Dupax Del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. She immigrated to the United States in June, 1979, working as a private school teacher for several months at St John’s School in King City, California. After that, she moved to West Germany and England for a short time. In late 1981, she moved back to the United States settling in Jersey City, NJ. She proudly worked as a Senior Security Officer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. She would work there for 22 years before retiring in 2004. A devout Roman Catholic, Regina regularly attended mass at St Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Jersey City. A farm girl at heart with a green thumb, gardening was her passion. A skilled seamstress, she taught all her daughters to sew (except Remy). She was also a self-taught hairdresser and was very fond of styling her daughter’s hair despite their resistance because she would insist on her style, even though it was out of style. Of course, her daughters had no choice but to go along with her. She was a talented writer and would write on any piece of paper she came across, even on napkins or on the back of receipts. Her writings were mostly about her life experiences and about her never-ending love for her husband and family. Regina is predeceased by her husband, Fernando Leal Garcia, her sisters Benedicta Ramos and Juana Cariaga, her daughter Norma Garcia, and great grandchild Kaeden Nalu Moises. She is survived by her four daughters and their spouses, Remedios Galeon of England, Marlyn (Paul) McKee of the Philippines, Lilia (Romy) Moises of Hopewell, Virginia, and Jennelyn Hardy of New Jersey. Regina is also survived by grandchildren Jayne, Jade, Dharrell, Marlo Jayme, Paul Wilson (Hiroe) McKee, and Marcus, and great grandchildren Daisy, Tristan, Gavin, Ikaika Phoenix, Pauly, and Rocky Fernando. Our mother was the strongest woman we have ever met. She was fearless and independent, yet sensitive and compassionate. She loved and cared deeply for her family and relatives. She instilled in her children strong values that have served them well. As her health declined, she often repeated the quote “when I die, please do not fight with your sisters, be kind to one another.” She will be dearly missed and will live forever in our hearts. A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, January 12, 2024 at Saint James the Greater Catholic Church, 510 West Polythress St., Hopewell, VA 23860. Interment will be private.  As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to American Leprosy Missions (https://leprosy.org) or the Salvation Army (https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn). Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834.Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.