Mrs. Regina M. (Gelfuso) Waters

FRANKFORT - Mrs. Regina M. (Gelfuso) Waters, age 58, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family at her side. Born in Utica on September 1, 1958, Regina was the daughter of the late Thomas R. “Tom” and Vincenza P. “Chancey” (Angrisano) Gelfuso. She was a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy/Class of 1976. She continued her education at the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing where she earned her degree as a Registered Nurse graduating as Salutatorian of the Class of 1987. She continued her professional studies at SUNY Institute of Technology where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. In 1977 she married David M. Waters and to that relationship came two “precious” sons and a bond that endured throughout the years. Regina had a second chance at love when she met John “Mike” Holehan in 2009. They shared common traits and a compatible relationship. They married in 2014, a great day in both their lives. Regina began her career in the healthcare field as a Candy Striper at St. Elizabeth Hospital. She went on to earn her RN and moved across the street to the St. Elizabeth Women and Children Health Center where she worked as an Obstetrics/Gynecology Nurse, and later as a Nurse Manager. She was a member of the New York State Nurses Association. She subsequently decided to return to more direct patient care in Pediatrics, where her patience, playfulness, and compassion had a calming effect on children even when they had to take a “big shot”. At her untimely passing, Gina was admired by all for her sensitivity and dedication to nursing which she truly loved. She fought and survived a life threatening illness at a young age and subsequently developed a dream of helping others. Her family is grateful she had the opportunity to realize this dream and wishes to thank Dr. Mark Griffing for his dedication to her care through the years. In her private life, as in her professional life, Gina was kind and selfless and she would do anything for her family’s well-being and happiness. She was often known to carry a hardship by herself so as not to burden her children. When she began babysitting for the kids, she always played the ‘bad cop’, or at least she thought she did. But it was really her wisdom that they will come to remember as well as the guidance she afforded them. Although she was wickedly playful and funny, she was also an easy mark, but handled it well. Above all else, she was a wise and protective matriarch who adored her sons. As a grandma, she was very tender and adoring of her grandkids. Being with the twins were her joyful moments and she will be remembered as calm-natured and forever loved. Regina loved to read, and in the spring, plant a vegetable garden. When it was a productive growing season, she shared great meals prepared from the bounty of her garden. Her signature meals were hearty, simple, and memorable - chicken soup, and beans & escarole, the best among family favorites. Through the years, Gina embraced the challenge of sailing, camping, horseback riding and many outdoor adventures that became lasting memories. Her home was adorned with little artifacts of these memorable times, including sailboats, lighthouses, and books. “White Squall” was her favorite movie, a high seas voyage of a lifetime where nature tests the crew’s courage and will to survive… you may want to watch it! She was also incredibly crafty in sewing, knitting, needlepoint, and cross stitch, a passion that she passed on to her niece Vincenza. She made special outfits for her boys for the holiday season. In her younger years, Regina was told that she may never conceive, and when she was able carry two children, she was overjoyed, especially when they grew to be great kids. She thanked God for his grace in granting her two sons. She worked hard in raising them and went on to higher education, a wonderful family life, and a fulfilling career in healthcare. Gina knew her Lord and never took life for granted. She prayed for the intentions of so many and she dedicated her time and efforts to many more. She was a good soul, through and through. Regina is survived by her husband, Mike; her beloved sons and their loves, David Mark and Amber Waters, and Justin Daniel Waters and fiancée Andrea Bonomo; and her grandchildren, twins Austin Thomas, and Alexandria Rae Waters. She will also be remembered by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Louis S. “Lou” and Kim A. Gelfuso, and Thomas “Tommy” and Lana Gelfuso; her sisters and brother-in-law, Annette and Thomas Bick, and Darlene Buttimer; her nieces and nephews, Joseph and Jennifer Gelfuso, Andrea Gelfuso, and Lisa and Christopher Dousharm; Melissa and Christopher Abdoo, Vincenza Bick; Matthew Buttimer, Lauren Buttimer, and Joseph Thomas Buttimer; Isabella Gelfuso, and Kasia Gelfuso; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunt Nicoletta Fiorentino; and Mike’s family, Leila and Steven Jabour, Jamshid “Jim” and Nicole Holehan, and their children, Sophia, Rocco, Shea, and Finn. She was blessed with best friends, Mary Barr, and Gina Aiello, and her many co-workers. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Steve Buttimer, and nephew Jason Waters. The family wishes to thank the staff of Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially Dr. Ramesh Cherukuri, Dr. Ashish Regulagadda, Dr. Charles Eldredge, Dr. Ghassan Koussa, Dr. Joseph Booth, Dr. Lisette Alfaro-Berg, Dr. Anand Ravi, and Dr. Nicholas Qandah for their professional expertise; the nursing staff including Andrey, Oksana, and Clarissa; Therapy Services personnel, especially Molly; Care Attendants, especially Brandy, and many others, all of whom provided exceptional comfort to Gina, including Dr. Sami Abdul Malak of Crouse Hospital for his contributions to her care. The family would also like to thank friends and family members, too numerous to name, who have shown tremendous support during a difficult time. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will remain until all have been seen. Memorial contributions may be made to the family enabling them to establish a fund for a Nursing Program. Regina’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Committal prayers and Interment will take place graveside in Frankfort Center Cemetery.

Mrs. Regina M. (Gelfuso) Waters

September 1, 1958 - July 29, 2017