Obituary of Irene Ring Regan

Irene Ring Regan grew up in Arlington MA and attended the Parmenter and Central Schools on Academy Street. She began her secondary education at Arlington High School but moved several different times during her high school years owing to her father’s career as a corporate attorney. These moves however, did not dim her academic achievements; she demonstrated a gift for music and languages, among them Latin, German and French. A strikingly pretty and tall girl, Irene worked for Eastern Airlines in Boston in the airline’s early days after World War II. In 1946 she married Bill Regan of Arlington. They had known each other since junior high where she had her eye on him! For the next thirty-five years of her life she concentrated on her primary vocation, motherhood and the raising of her 13 children. Believing that every child deserves a loving and nurturing environment, she and Bill opened their home to foster children “whenever the crib was open”. Irene’s involvement in the lives and well-being of her children extended to the many organizations of which she was a part. She was a charter member of the Arlington Catholic Women’s Club, the Arlington Catholic Mothers’ Guild, a St. Agnes Band Parent Booster, as well as a vocal cheerleader for her children’s athletic endeavors. Once her children became more independent and she was able to devote time to causes outside the home, she actively participated in Massachusetts Citizens for Life and Birthright, counseling women in crisis. An avid editorialist, locals looked for Irene’s “column” in the Letters to the Editor section of the Arlington Advocate. Although passionate about her beliefs, Irene always respected opposing viewpoints, maintaining a civil tone and recognizing the necessity of the free exchange of ideas and opinions in a democracy. Retirement in Florida provided her further opportunities to hone her golf game, improve her garden and go ‘birding’ with her husband. No day could truly begin without their friendly morning crossword puzzle competition- bragging rights were on the line. Until his death in 2003 she prided herself on frequently besting her Harvard-educated husband. Irene and her husband enjoyed active involvement in many organizations, among them: Habitat for Humanity, the March of Dimes, Veterans’ Poppy Drive, Hammock Civic Association, Scenic AIA beautification, Marineland dolphin sanctuary and other environmental causes. Always an active participant in her parishes in Massachusetts and Florida, she was a member of the Sancta Maria del Mar Ladies Club in Flagler Beach. After a brief illness Mrs. Regan passed away surrounded by her children. Mrs. Regan is the beloved wife of the late William H. Regan, Jr. She is loving mother of William & his wife Peg of Arlington, Jack & his wife Peg of Oak Bluffs, Catherine of Guttenberg, NJ, Dennis & his wife Kate of Needham, Martin of Palm Coast, FL, Joe & his wife Angela of Sharon, Terry & his wife Joan of Newburyport, Mary & her husband Ed Sullivan of Scituate, Martha of Los Angeles, CA, Irene & her husband Richard Schaefer of Barnegat, NJ, Helen Regan Driscoll of Watertown, Elizabeth & her husband Joseph Dellanno of Arlington, and Maureen of Arlington. She is the sister of Richard Ring of Plymouth and Naples, FL, and the late John, Robert and David Ring. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren. A Memorial Wake will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, July 17 from 4-8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Agnes Church, Medford St., Arlington on Tuesday, July 18 at 10 a.m. Interment in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at 2:00 p.m. Memorials in Irene’s name may be made to Fidelity House, 25 Medford St., Arlington, MA 02474. For directions & obituary see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net & www.saintagnes.net