Joan Woods Rege

Joan Woods Rege 1929-2009   Joan "Jill" Woods Rege, 80, died peacefully Saturday, November 28th at home, surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Yonkers, NY, Jill was the daughter of the late John and Ruth McGraw of Holyoke. A graduate of Holyoke High School, Jill earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Fitchburg State College and attended graduate school at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  Jill touched the lives of many children as an elementary school teacher and speech pathologist for Chicopee public and parochial schools.  Her life was filled by her many interests to include world-wide travel, nature, the arts, reading and cooking.  The majority of Jill's retirement years were spent enjoying country life in New York State with "Dick", her husband of 58 years.  Together they enjoyed a small business buying, selling and collecting antiques.  Jill found peace in a country vista, beauty in an ocean view and joy in the companionship of family and friends.  Most of all, Jill loved being a mother and "Nana".  Throughout the years, her nurturing ways and unconditional love surrounded her children and grandchildren.  Jill is predeceased by her cherished daughter, Lynn A. Rege; loving grandson, Joey K. Marr; beloved brother, John "Jack" McGraw and sister Dale O'Hare.  She will be remembered with love by her husband, Richard W. Rege; her children, Rick Rege, Kim Marr, Chad Rege, Jill Potter and Maria Rege; and eight loving grandchildren.  Also remembering Jill will be her beloved sister-in-law, Ruth McGraw, her daughters-in law Elaine Huffman and Carol Rege, her sons-in-law Jim Marr and Bill Potter and her many dear nieces and nephews and longtime friends.  Private memorial and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations in Jill's memory may be sent to her favorite charities: Make-A-Wish Foundation, Western and Central Massachusetts Office, 181 Park Ave., Suite 2, West Springfield, MA 01089; St. Jude's Hospital, Memorial and Honors Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905 and Spectrum Home Health and Hospice Care, 770 Converse St., Longmeadow, MA  01106-1786.  We'll miss you, Mom!