Regina M. Gerhard

SLINGERLANDS - Regina Marie Gerhard passed away peacefully on Monday January 27, 2025 and has gone to join the Lord she fervently believed in. She is predeceased by her parents, William & Frances Straub, her brother, William Straub, and her sister, Theresa Hettenbach. She is survived by her husband of almost 65 years, Ronald Gerhard; her sons and their wives, David & Michele Gerhard, Brian & LeAnn Gerhard, and Gregory & Lauren Gerhard; four grandchildren: Ryan, Emily, Brady, and Colin; her brother Gerard Straub and many nieces, nephews and a dozen godchildren.

Regina enriched the lives of almost everyone she came into contact with. She was driven to care for others, always asking, “How can I help?”. As a nurse, Regina spent decades caring for others, and later, as a successful Real Estate broker, she found seven homes for persons with disabilities. She spent a few years working in state government, earning the nickname “Queen” as she uplifted the spirits of her coworkers.

Regina and Ronald met at college in 1956 and married in 1960. She was a staunch advocate for peace and poured herself into her passionate commitments, including her Catholic Faith, as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Eucharist, religious education instructor, the Charismatic Renewal, Marriage Encounter, Cursillo Programs, and Pax Cristi. She was active in many community-based groups; Quilting Club, P.E.O. (Women Supporting Women), Yoga Club, Women’s Synergy, Crystal Lane Book Club, Alternatives to Violence Project, Consciousness Aging Group, Pause for Peace, The Group, Volunteer Driver for the Elderly in Delmar, Bethlehem Business Women’s Group, Delmar Writing Workshop, and a frequent blood donor.

Regina’s life goals are quoted in Ron’s book about his wife, “If my life is successful, I will have balanced my self-centered success with my other-centered achievements and supportive relationships.” All who knew you, Regina, agrees that your life was immeasurably successful! The spark you put into each person you touched continues to burn bright.

Our family is forever thankful to the teams of people at The Eddy Village Green at Beverwyck and Hospice, for your tireless and compassionate care of Regina, who was not just your patient, but also a friend.

A celebration of Regina’s life will be held on March 1st, 3:30 p.m., at Beverwyck, 40 Autumn Drive, Slingerlands, NY 12159. Any remembrance donations should be sent to the Haitian children’s home run by her brother Gerry at http://www.santachiaracc.org/. Arrangements by Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Albany. Condolences can be posted at danielkeenanfuneralhome.com.