Regina Boerenko

Regina L. Boerenko, age 90, passed away peacefully at home in Orlando, FL on September 9, 2024 surrounded by family. She was born on June 25, 1934 in Amsterdam, NY to Stephen and Angie Brach and was the eldest of three daughters. Regina graduated from Milton Avenue Elementary, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. High School and Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam. Upon graduating in 1952, she worked for five years in the accounting department at Breier’s, a leather apparel company established in 1898. The company was best known for supplying flier jackets during WWII and held the design and trademark for the Bantamac leather jacket. The company was later sold to White Stag and then eventually to Walmart. In 1953, Regina met her future husband, Joseph (Joe) Boerenko, through mutual friends, at a Sunday Fireman’s picnic in Amsterdam. They dated for 4 years and married on September 22, 1957. They were married for 67 years. After six months of marriage, the newlyweds relocated to Orlando, FL so Joe could pursue work opportunities for his state school training in heavy equipment. Regina and Joe raised two children, daughter, Cecelia and son, Stephen. Regina and Joe have been members of St. John Vianney Catholic Church for over 60 years. Regina opened her own Antique Shop, in Orlando, with two of her friends, Kay and Nancy. They named it “The Ladies of the Glass Umbrella”. After the shop closed, Regina managed and operated a country store in Orlando, known as “A Country Cottage”, for her friend Mario for over ten years. Regina enjoyed traveling, having traveled throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States. Some of her favorite adventures included her trips to Italy, Holland, Hawaii, London and Las Vegas, to name a few. Most of all she loved traveling and spending time with her granddaughter, Patricia. Her favorite trip with Patricia was traveling to New York City during the Christmas season, watching the Rockettes, having high tea at The Plaza, looking at beautifully decorated Christmas windows and watching Patricia, at age 7, mail a letter to Santa in one of Macy’s mail boxes. Regina was a voracious reader and loved all types of literature. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, ceramics, and decorating her home, especially for the holidays. Christmas was her favorite. She and Joe especially enjoyed spending time with friends. For many, many years, they regularly attended the various holiday dances held at St. John Vianney, with their friends as Regina loved to dance. Their gang were also long-time regulars at the New Year’s Eve dance held each year at the American Legion on Oak Ridge Rd. When younger, Regina was a prolific bowler and a member of a local women’s bowling league, having won many trophies including one trophy for bowling a perfect game. She was a member of the St John Vianney Women’s Council for many years. She was very active in the PTA and earned a lifetime membership as award for her service. In her earlier years, she was politically active in local politics, and took a great interest in politics throughout her entire life. Regina was a devoted wife and mother. She was loyal to her friends who appreciated her love and support as she was always there when needed. She was very proud to recently celebrate her 90th birthday with family and friends. Regina is preceded by her parents and her sisters, Karlin (Bebe) and Patti. She is survived by husband, Joseph Boerenko; daughter, Cecelia Boerenko; son, Stephen (Marianne) Boerenko and granddaughter Patricia Boerenko. A viewing will be held from 4pm to 8pm on Friday, September 20th at A Community Funeral Home & Sunset Cremations, located at 910 W. Michigan Street, Orlando, FL. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 21st at 1:00pm at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, located at 6200 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL. Regina will be laid to rest at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Winter Park, FL. The family asks for donations to be made to the American Cancer Society, www.Cancer.org, The American Heart Association, www.Heart.org or to your favorite charity.

Regina Boerenko

June 25, 1934 - September 9, 2024