Obituary of Maria Concetta Regan

MARIA CONCETTA REGAN (CALABRESE)

It is with an inconsolable heart that the family of Maria Concetta Regan (nee Calabrese) announce her passing on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Maria passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Born in Montepaone, Italy, Maria lived most of her life in Sewell, Washington Township, New Jersey.

Legacy

In life Maria had a unique spirit that transcends common words. She loved deeply and with a big heart. Her grandchildren, even at a young age, were fortunate to recognize and reciprocate her immense love. Often she would say that she received so much love from them and that when they were with her all they wanted to do was hug and kiss her and not wanting to let her go.

Maria connected with many relatives around the world, especially cousins in Italy, France, Switzerland, England, Canada, South America and the USA. She built new long-distance relationships and renewed old ones and those strong bonds will last forever in many hearts around the world. 

She was an educator for over 15 years. Maria taught various Business courses and the Romance Languages in several schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. One that she cherished was the five years she taught at St. Vincent’s School for Unwed Mothers in Southwest Philadelphia with Catholic Social Services in the 1970s. 

Her joy was her children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends. She found peace and serenity in nature. She was a talented artist, as she was often told and her canvases attest to her talent. Poetry and music were her constant comfort and inspiration. She loved the Ionian Sea near her hometown of Montepaone, Italy. Maria’s culinary ability was a common family topic.

Family

Maria is now reunited with her beloved late husband of 37 years, Rev. Joseph W. Regan, who passed away in 2012. Maria was the devoted mother of Francesca (Jason) and Stephen (Alisha), dear grandmother of: Donna Marie, Jay, Giovanni, Vincenzo, Giuliana, Lorenzo, Rosalia, and soon-to-arrive, Joseph; cherished daughter of the late Giovanni Calabrese and the late Maria Malta (Calabrese); loving sister of Antoinette Galdi (Michael) and the late Maria Teresa; sister-in-law of Mary Ann Donal (Al), John (Eve), Kevin (Kathy), Thomas (Jennifer), Calvin, and Katie Shillington (John); 38 nieces and nephews; 25 great nieces and nephews; and many cousins, friends and especially her only surviving aunt and uncle in Italy, (Ins.) Santa Giuseppina Malta (Macrina) and (Rag.) Giuseppe Macrina.

Farewell and Tribute

Maria’s family invites you to join them in a celebration of her life. Visitation will be held from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at McGuinness Funeral Home located at 573 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell, NJ 08080. The funeral services will begin at 1:30 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where Maria found hope, comfort and inspiration in their work.  

For family & friends that cannot make Maria's celebration of life, you can stream by clicking on the link below. The link will be live at 11:30 am, you can click 5 minutes prior.

Click here to webcast