1956
2020
(nee Regas), age 63; loving mother of Jason and Julianne (Owen Norman); beloved daughter of Joanne (nee Powers) and the late George Regas; dearest sister of Mary Yutzy (Jim), Tom Regas (Jane) and George Regas, Jr.; sister-in-law of Pam Euse (John); beloved aunt, great-aunt and dear friend of many, especially Robbi Cwynar and family. Ann touched many lives in the 42 years she dedicated to Rainbow Babies & Children's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's NICU www.UHGiving.org. A celebration of Ann's life will be announced in the near future.
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I worked with Anne for the 80s at Rainbow Babies and Children's NICU. She was a lovely, caring family person and I love Anne.
As far as I'm concerned Anne is the example of exactly why and how Rainbow has the reputation it has had consistently and will CONTINUE to have in future. What a joy to work there when one got to work with the likes of her. A hero without ego. A doer. One of action. She is missed.
Nate Holman
Coworker
March 1, 2022
I discovered the loss of my dear coworker, friend and mentor when I was looking for a picture for a blog post. Ann's picture was absolutely perfect for what I was trying to convey as a Christian minister now and retired from nursing. Ann was a living epistle of joy. She left a lasting impact on my life both professionally and spiritually. I thank God for the gift of her to me, and this world. She made it ok for the nurses to admit we secretly liked Neil Diamond, too, and helped us get through another day. Her countenance alone helped me get through many. My sincere condolences to her family, my very dear co-workers from the early days in the trenches working so closely, and to everyone who's life she touched- may that hole be filled with the memories of the great joy and life she gave, encouragement to pay it forward, and music. Sweet Caroline, sweet Ann, sweet memories....
Ann, my only regret is that I must have last talked to you just before your first diagnosis, but what a wonderful chat we had catching up on the years. I called you mid-day at work and you dropped everything to talk. I know the value of that time in NICU. I will be forever especially blessed that you found value in me. Thank you.
Rev. Patricia Engelhardt Brooks
Patricia Brooks
Friend
February 2, 2021
I did not know Ann, but she is still touching lives. In the NICU with my daughter, I am reading books given in memory of her. Ann, you clearly had an important hand in shaping this unit. Thank you for helping create this space where my daughter and I can feel safe.
Neil Patrick McGowan
December 2, 2020
Although Ann and I lost touch after I left RB&C in 1990, I still count her as one of the most influential people in my time there. Her innate talent for organizing and mentoring made her a consistently wonderful leader and made the NICU an extraordinary place.
She positively impacted the lives if thousands of infants, families and fellow caregivers. She will be missed but her legacy endures.
Loretta Pierce
April 23, 2020
Dear Reitenbach and Regas Family-
I am so very sorry for your loss of Ann. She was my assistant head nurse when I worked in the NICU and one of the nicest people at UH. Her compassion was always apparent; the best heart, the best spirit and so supportive. The NICU will not be the same without her. I pray for comfort and peace for your family at this time.
Sandy Baker-Pass
Coworker
April 17, 2020
I have many fond memories of our time in grade school. We lost touch after that but I then had the privilege of working with Joanne at Parma. To Anns entire family my sincerest sympathy for your loss. From the other messages Ann was a nurse who took after mom. Prayers for you all.
Rosie Lynch Moehring
Rose Moehring
Friend
April 12, 2020
We both loved the color purple!
You LOVED COFFEE...hot, cold or in between ! Lots of laughter.
Sharon Clayton (hall)
Coworker
April 11, 2020
My Dear Friend and co-worker for over 20 years. My mind and heart felt somber when I heard that you passed .
As difficult as it is to process that you no longer are on this earth and especially in the NICU I know I must go to a happy place because you were so full of life and light hearted as you/we shared our lives together.
I have many many memories of our life together.
You felt deep compassion for your role as Nurse Manager in the unit. Your greatest commitment was for the babies, families and the staff. Your heart was very big for all of your responsibilities . I especially remember the time we shared in setting up the second brand new unit (1988) while you were 8 months pregnant with Jason.
I prayed every evening that you would not go into labor as we worked tirelessly through the night. I still have the purple beaded bracelet that you gave me from Julianne when she was a little girl and referred to me as your Purple Friend.
I pray that as your Mom and family mourn your passing they will be filled with Gods Blessings and joy knowing how many lifes you touched professionally and as a little person () with a Big Heart. I love you and I thank God for the gift you into my life.
Sharon Clayton (hall)
Friend
April 11, 2020
I worked at Rainbow for 33 years and Ann was my nurse manager for the majority of that time. She was very dedicated to the NICU and an advocate for the babies and their families. I was very sad to learn of her passing. My
prayers and condolences to her family and friends.
Bev Newsome
April 11, 2020
I worked with Ann in the NICU for a short period of time, but she always had our best interest at heart. So saddened to hear of her passing.
April 10, 2020
Our heart and prayers go out to Ann and Family & Friends of Ann as she was such a beautiful loving and caring person that will truly be missed.
Sam & LIsa Arlia
Friend
April 10, 2020
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER ANN AND HER KINDNESS TO ME WHEN I WORKED IN THE NICU.
SHIRLEY BROWN
April 10, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Regas and Reitenbach family. Mrs. Regas, Tom, Skip, Mary and Ann's children - Jason and Julianne (Owen) I will keep you all in my prayers. I have such fun, wonderful memories of the Regas household and hanging out there during high school. Ann was such a beautiful person and always so kind. I always loved to hear her laugh. She was always so dedicated to her job and family. The times that we did get together, was so special to be with her. I am so saddened by her loss, but I know you will always cherish her fond memories in your heart. We all loved Ann!
Brenna Roth
Friend
April 8, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Ann passing. She has been wonderful person. We will all miss her very much!
Ronald Colucci
Family
April 8, 2020
Deepest sympathy. Ann was the nicest person. She will be missed.
Lynn Medlock
April 8, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful person. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Terry Maust
Friend
April 8, 2020
To the entire Regas/Reitenbach family...you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Ann was one in a million as a person and a nurse. She will forever be a part of my soul. Rest in peace. Keri
Keri Cramer
Friend
April 8, 2020
I am so saddened by this great loss. I had the honor of working with Ann in the NICU for 12 yrs. She was THE most dedicated, caring individual I have ever known. She was a respected peer, coworker, mentor and most importantly, friend. Our "crew" worked hard to provide the best care to those infants and families. We learned to love and enjoy each other as well as the job.I am forever thankful for the impact she had on my professional and personal development. I will miss her smile, coffee driven energy , dedication and caring. The babies, families and staff will miss her as well. Ann, rest now, my friend. You will always be in my heart.
Sue Frankowski
Coworker
April 7, 2020
Deepest sympathy to Ann's family & especially to her sister, Mary. I worked with Mary at Parma City Schools. & I know she is deeply hurting. Sending thoughts & prayers of comfort at this very difficult time.
Gail Calabrese
April 7, 2020
Ann was one of the finest nurses I ever worked with in the NICU at RB&C. She was a great nursing leader and always had the human touch. I am sure she inspired many nurses in her career
tom kallstrom
Coworker
April 7, 2020
George,
We are so sorry on the loss of your sister. She is now home with our Lord and happy and healthy. May God bless you and your family.
Donna Fisher
Laura Herbst
April 7, 2020
My sincere condolences goes to the entire Reitenbach family on the loss of Ann. I worked under Ann as a new graduate nurse in the NICU in 1991 at that time she was acting Nurse Manager of the department. Ann was so kind, supportive and understanding. She made me feel so at ease and encouraged me to have confidence in my nursing ability. She will be missed as a strong leader and all around good person.
Gloria D. Caston BSN,RN,MEd.
April 7, 2020
I remembered when she first started working in the NICU at Rainbow. She was a ball of fire, full of passion and commitment. She was the driving force of family centered care. Her influence will continue on. I will miss her sense of humor and friendship.
Carolyn Oyen
Coworker
April 7, 2020
My deepest condolences to Ann's entire family. She was an amazing woman, with a strong work ethic and compassion for the work she did in the NICU. I had the pleasure of working with her for 20 years in the NICU, I will never forgot those times. She will be dearly missed by many of the nurses who had the opportunity to worked with her. May God bless you Ann and your family and my the perpetual light sign upon you Ann.
Nancy Pierce
Coworker
April 7, 2020
Our heart felt condolences goes out to the entire family! You have ALL been in our thoughts and prayers. Ann was a special lady and her life was a great example of love. I know she was the rock of her family and she will always live on through them! May God bless you all!!
Sincerely
John and Julie Powers
April 7, 2020
Ann was kind hearted and very supportive as a unit manager. She was so easy to talk to. She will be greatly missed. The NICU wont be the same without her. God bless
Tracie Gales-Brown
Coworker
April 7, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with Ann's family. She was the strongest, most loving person and an incredible mom. I was blessed to call her friend. May she Rest In Peace and those waiting In Heaven there to welcome her with open arms.
Barb Coates
April 6, 2020
My sincere condolences to Anns family....She was a wonderful lady that was not only a head nurse to many nurses but a friend to all of us...She touched many lifes and mentor to many...she will be missed by all...
Pamela Joyce
Coworker
April 6, 2020
My deepest condolences to Ann' s family. She brought sunshine to many life's. She was sweet, kind, caring and giving. She is soaring with the angels.i
Debbie Liccardi
April 6, 2020
So sorry to hear about Ann. She was always so cheerful and happy spirit to be around. Sending lots of love, comfort and prayers to those closest to her. She will truly be missed.
Nichelle Travis
April 6, 2020
Ann made everyone she met feel important. Spending countless hours talking with each and every member of her staff...and she truly listened. She will be missed. Praying for her family. Thank you for sharing her with us!
Marisa Melillo
April 6, 2020
My dearest Ann, you will be greatly missed by many especially all those babies you took care of all of your adult family. It is hard to say goodbye but I hope you are in a safe place away from all disease. Prayers for Aunt Joanne, your dear sister Mary, Tom and George.
Love, your cousin Kathy.
Kathleen Neary
Family
April 6, 2020
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