Barbara Moran Regan

Barbara Moran Regan, 77, of South Scranton, died Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, at Penn State Hershey Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Her husband of 51 years is Neil Regan.

Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late John P. and Hope Colley Moran. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist and later St. Paul of the Cross Parish in South Scranton.

A graduate of Scranton Central High School and Marywood College with a degree in elementary education, she was an elementary school teacher in the Scranton School District, having taken an early retirement to become an associate of her husband, Neil, in the day-to-day operations of Neil W. Regan Funeral Home Inc.

Barb was a truly loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and teacher. Her family was the center of her universe and her children and grandchildren were completely adored by her. Her survival was a testament to the miracles that are possible through powerful faith. Throughout multiple complications of her illness her belief that her Lord Jesus would bring her back to health only strengthened. That miracle was provided through a stranger whose generosity led to Barbara's gift of life, having received a kidney transplant many years ago that gave her a whole new life to look forward to. Barb also knew that the true heroes of our society are the doctors, nurses and staff who devote their lives to the care of their patients. The family, therefore, wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to their local heroes, Dr. Jeremiah Egan and Dr. Wayne Weston, as well as the transplant surgeons and coordinators, doctors, nurses, technicians and all of the healthcare staff at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.

Barbara's life was one of unconditional love. Lord Jesus, I pray that you will send us more Barbara Moran Regans because if we had more this world would be a kinder and gentler place.

She is survived by a daughter, Barbara Regan Chillemi and husband, Ron, Ridgewood, N.J.; two sons, Neil Jr. and wife, Elizabeth, New York; and Brendan and wife, Sarah, Jermyn; three sisters, Nancy Estadt, Reading; Jane Panetti and husband, Joe, Florida; and Lois Mulhall and husband, John, California; a brother, Bob Moran and wife, Morna, of New Jersey; two grandsons, Jack Chillemi and Theo Drago-Regan; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was also preceded in death by a brother, John P. and wife, Marie Moran; a sister, Dot Bender and husband, Zeke; nieces and nephews including John Moran, Jack Bender, Marybeth DiDeminico and Ruth Rogers; and brother in-law, Gary Estadt.

The funeral will be Saturday, Nov. 5, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church at St. Paul of the Cross Parish, 1217 Prospect Ave., celebrated by the Rev. Scott Sterowski, pastor. Interment will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Neil W. Regan Funeral Home Inc., 1900 Pittston Ave., Scranton, PA 18505. Those attending the Mass on Saturday please proceed directly to the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memorial and Honor Gifts, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142; or Make-A-Wish, the Gulf Tower, 707 Grant Street, 37th floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1938.

To send online condolences, visit the funeral home website.