Regina Coulombe

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Regina Coulombe announce her peaceful passing on the morning of Tuesday August 29, at age 100 years and 1 month at St. Joseph's Hospital. A strong independent woman until her illness in June of this year, she lived at PR Cook Apartments, St. Josephs Heritage. 

Regina was born July 29, 1917 in Toronto to immigrant parents trying to make a better life in Canada. Her family moved to the East End in Thunder Bay, when she was almost 2. They eventually settled in Jumbo Garden's area where she was raised with her 6 siblings. At a young age, she left Thunder Bay, to work in Geraldton, where she met her first love, Lloyd Zywina. They married and began a family, giving birth to their first daughter just 4 days after Lloyd left for war.

Upon Lloyds return, 2 years later, they had 3 more children in Geraldton and then moved their family back to Thunder Bay where one more child was born. After 29 years of marriage, in 1970 Lloyd passed away. In 1974 Regina moved to Dorion and quickly met the second love of her life George Coulombe. Together they owned and operated Maple Leaf Campground in Hurkett, for many years. Eventually they returned to Thunder Bay. Regina and George travelled extensively in Canada by car, driving coast to coast 5 times, until George's death in 2002, having celebrated 27 years of marriage. 

Regina enjoyed cooking, sewing and gardening, spending countless hours with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren sharing and teaching them her Ukrainian heritage (food, crafts and traditions). At age 65 she begin to paint, wood carve and learn new art forms, taking a class in charcoal drawing at age 98. Her lifelong love of photography, has inspired her family and many others. She was a member of the Catholic Womens League for over 50 years, she belonged to the Moose Hall, Legion Branch 5, Thunder Bay Wood Carvers, Kakabeka Wood Carvers, 55 Plus and 60 Plus and many other groups over the years. Giving back and working in her community and church community was of upmost importance to her. 

Heartfelt thanks goes out to Dr. Scali for taking care of her for many years. Thank you to those who helped her to remain independent especially those at PR Cook Apartments, St. Josephs Heritage over the last 10 years. Thank you to the doctors and staff of Thunder Bay Regional Hospital and to Dr.'s Geoff Davis and Andrew Migay and the incredible Hospice staff at St. Josephs Hospital for their care. 

Regina was predeceased by her parents, Onafry and Anna, brothers Nick, Peter, Bill and Reginald, sisters Frances and Mary, husband Lloyd, daughters Susan and Lorraine, husband George, grandson Kevin and great grandchildren Abigail and Brady. 

Regina is survived by 3 children, her son Ronald Zywina (Karen), Thunder Bay, daughters Betty Ann Richard (Ron), Kelowna B.C. (here) and Catherine Jones (Bob) Thunder Bay, son in law Roy Nalli (Gloria) Thunder Bay. 

11 grandchildren, Joyce Dubinsky (Brent), Cindy Posmituk (Tom), Allan Nalli (Tanya), Dale Zywina (Heather Robinson), Stacey Blamire (Chris), Jeff Richard (Andrea), Randy Zywina (Denise Stewart), Jennifer Wilson (Ryan), Trevor Zywina, Brent Jones (Caitlin). Step grandson Paul Hardy (Jody) and other extended family members. 

Regina is survived by 21 great grandchildren Chelsie, Ashley, Zachary, Connor, Cody, Rachel, Evan, Ali, Colin, Jordan, Savanna, Adam, Marissa, Jevan, Nicholas, Kenan, Sadie, Andrew, Stella, Alex and Charlie and 4 step great grandchildren Taylor, Simone, Keira and Connor. 

A funeral mass to celebrate Regina's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 6 at St. Margarets Church, 6 Clayte St. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Loretta Church, Elevator Fund, 290 Grenville Ave. TB, P7A 2A9, St Josephs Foundation, 63 Carrie St. TB, P7A 4J2 towards a lift chair for the Hospice floor, (please specify) www.power.sjftb.net . Arrangements entrusted to the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street.
On line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com