Regina Teresa Jemsek

Regina Teresa Jemsek, age 51, of Charlotte, NC formerly of Mattoon passed away at the Jemsek family home in Mattoon, IL on Saturday, February 4, 2006 at 1:20 A.M. surrounded by her loving family after an eight year courageous encounter with cancer. Miss Jemsek was born August 10, 1954 in Mattoon, IL, the daughter of Dr. John and Marijane (Robertson) Jemsek. Regina attended St. Mary and St. Joseph elementary parochial schools in Mattoon and graduated from Mattoon High School in 1972. She continued her education at St. Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute, IN receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. Continually seeking enhancement, Regina later earned a Masters of Science Degree in Music Education at Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC. Miss Jemsek who was an accomplished pianist, guitarist and vocalist taught Music Education in several parochial schools, she cantored at various churches and served as choir director at St. Ann Parish in the Charlotte, NC Diocese. Throughout the years, Regina taught students privately, inspiring people to achieve more than what was expected of them. The pride and recognition of accomplishment she instilled became the incentive for many of her pupils. She also benefited from the love that she had for her students and it radiated with her smile and expressions when together. It was apparent that she was truly in her element during that time. Regina was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Mattoon. She was an advocate of human rights and believed in tolerance for all people and was a patron of the arts. Besides her passion for music, Regina also enjoyed sports; especially golf, softball and horseback riding. She touched the lives of many, with her contagious smile, loving hugs, free spirit, inspiration and friendly manner that will be greatly missed by her friends and family. Survivors include her mother Marijane Jemsek of Mattoon; two brothers, Dr. Joe Jemsek and his wife Kay of Charlotte, NC and Jack Jemsek and his wife Barbara of Amherst, MA; two sisters, Carla Choquette of Bellevue, WA and Angela Ballas and her husband J.D. of Yorba Linda, CA; five nephews and nine nieces. She was preceded in death by her father Dr. John Jemsek.

Tributes

Regina Teresa Jemsek

August 10, 1954 - February 4, 2006