Photo courtesy of George L Doherty Funeral Service, Inc - Somerville
Apr 17, 1940 - Jul 5, 2025
To GIna, George, Carol and your families, I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Thank you, Mrs Kando, for your kindness and hospitality (you were gracious despite me eating all the meatloaf that day...). You are truly loved.
cds
December 24, 2025 | Reading, MA | Friend
Mrs. Kando was the mother of my best friend, Gina, who lived nextdoor to me. My best years were spent growing up together with Gina, and Mrs. Kando (Mrs. Regina... as I liked to call her), was like having a second mother - I'll never forget her nor all the great memories of those formative years in Somerville!! Love to Gina, Carol, and George and to the extended family.
Cynthia Baumann
August 23, 2025 | Dallas, TX | Neighbor
Regina taught me a lot about her family which will help me in the future. Can't say enough nice things about her. The world needs so many more like her.
Patricia Fletcher
July 20, 2025 | Fredericksburg, VA | Friend
I worked with Regina at Bernard Hodes Advertising in the late '80's. I was a paste-up artist and she ran the front desk. We hit it off immediately and had SO much fun working together. I never forgot her, and never will. She was a lovely person. RIP, Regina. You will be missed.
Dan Nearing
July 20, 2025 | GAYLORD, MI | Coworker
Fran,
I was so sorry to hear about Jeanne/Regina’s passing. My condolences to you, Carol, George, and Gina as well as her wonderful grandchildren. Sending hugs and love to you all.
Love,
Regina & Loren Thompson
Regina Thompson
July 16, 2025 | CA | Family
Regina was my friend for over 30 years. Three of us ( Regina, Bobbi and I) met as non traditional students at Newbury college. With a lot in common we became fast friends. We enjoyed lunches and day trips where we would update each other on family milestones and as time went by we would reminisce about our youth. Regina was a special person. Smart, strong and gentle. I will miss her dearly. My thoughts are with her family especially her children and grandchildren who she loved dearly. I...
Denise Wholley
July 15, 2025 | Friend
I will miss my dear friend Regina; It was an honor to know her. We met at Newbury College over 35 years ago and became instant friends. Between working, bringing up children, and studying to get a degree, we had a lot in common to bond us together over the years. Regina was a lovely woman and just so special. May she rest in God's eternal peace. Respectfully, Aurora
Aurora DeMattia
July 13, 2025 | Melrose, MA | Friend
Gina -
I am so very, very, very sorry for your loss.
God bless your mom and my deepest condolences to you and your family
God bless ,
Eddie Serino
Eddie Serino
July 13, 2025 | MA | Friend
So sorry to hear about Jeannie's passing. I enjoyed talking with her over years at many family functions. What a special lady! Prayers are with all of you.
Kathi Knox
July 12, 2025 | Pueblo, CO
Regina Kando, age 85, passed away on July 5, 2025. She was the devoted daughter of the late Anna T. Bronco and the late Frank A. DiChiappari and the loving sister of Frances A. DiChiappari and the late Charles F. DiChiappari, all of Somerville, MA. Regina graduated from Somerville High School and married the love of her life, George T. Kando. At his passing just seven short years later, she raised their three children on her own with the love and support of family. Regina weathered those storms and persevered with strength and quiet courage.
She went on to earn an Associate’s Degree from Newbury College and worked in accounting and office administration for several firms over the years. At every workplace, she made fast friends with her colleagues – many of whom became friends for life. She was active in her community, leading groups for the OSHER Center for Lifelong Learning at Tufts University and founding the grandparent support network of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress.
But the role she relished most was as mother and grandmother. She was immensely proud of her family. Her grandchildren were the center of her world and she was their loudest cheerleader: equally proud of the compassionate and kind people they have grown to be and their accomplishments. She loved spending time with them and she was a constant, loving, playful presence in their lives as they grew from babies into adults.
An accomplished cook, Regina whipped up her signature dishes for friends and family – chicken parmigiana and her famous meatballs are two favorites. She loved a good strong cup of tea — and it had to be “hot hot.” Another of Regina’s greatest passions was her love of the arts: visiting museums, attending performances, and painting in watercolor and acrylics. She also loved visiting distant lands and especially enjoyed her European trips.
In addition to being survived by her sister, Regina will be mourned by her children Carol A. Kando-Pineda and her husband Andre of Fredericksburg, VA; George T. Kando of Biddeford, ME; and Regina K. Wells and her husband John of Stoughton, MA. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren: Miguel A. Pineda and his wife, Brooke, of Washington, D.C., and Sophia A. Pineda of Fredericksburg, VA; and Justin M. Wells and Jacqueline E. Wells of Stoughton, MA.
A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, August 21st in the Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden at 10:00AM. Relatives and friends may visit with the family prior to mass from 9:00AM to 10:00AM in the church.
Services will conclude with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
In lieu of flowers, people wishing to honor her memory can make a donation to the National Down Syndrome Congress. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/nationaldownsyndromecongress
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