Obituary of Regina T. Whiteside

Regina Therese 'Jean' Whiteside passed away Thursday May 10th, 2012 of Alzheimer's Disease which she handled with grace and dignity. Regina was born to Edward and Eileen Whiteside on April 5, 1955, and is one of nine children. Regina was a lifelong resident of Syracuse. Regina is a graduate of Holy Family School and Bishop Ludden HS, she earned a bachelor degree from SUNY Oswego and a masters in Deaf Education and American Sign Language Interpreting from Gallaudet University. Regina taught American Sign Language (ASL) at OCC for over 20 years, she was an American Sign Language interpreter as well as an elementary school deaf education teacher. Regina continued to refine her interpreting skills through certifications in court, emergency and theatre ASL. Regina was a keeper of family tradition, after the death of her father, at the age of 12, she planned, cooked and served Thanksgiving dinner. Regina not only taught herself to cook, she was also an excellent baker and was ever ready with a warm plate of chocolate chip cookies. Regina was a trusted friend, beloved sister and aunt; she was always ready with words of encouragement and to lend a helping hand. Regina loved to design and create gifts for her loved ones. She was an accomplished quilter, basket weaver, doll maker, milliner, gardener and traveler with an infectious laugh. Regina is survived by her eight siblings: Edward Whiteside of Virginia Beach, VA, Mary (John) Niemi of Syracuse, NY, Thomas Whiteside of Syracuse, NY, Eileen (Charles) Tommasulo of Flint, MI, Patricia (Michael) Pepe of Norwich, NY, Nicholas (Susan) Whiteside of Richmond, VA, Vincent (Cassie) Whiteside of Buffalo, NY, and Joseph (Donna) Whiteside of Virginia Beach, VA. Regina is a favorite aunt and great aunt. Regina's family is deeply grateful for the loving care provided at Lorretto; especially the Heritage Apartments community and the staff of the 11th floor of Cunningham Hall. Services: A Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at All Saints Church, 1340 Lancaster Ave., Syracuse. Calling hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W. Genesee St. Any Donations in Regina's name can be made to one of her favorite charities, the World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org