Regina H. Nugent

Regina Mary Hunt Nugent, age 97, of Ridgewood, NJ and most recently of Freehold NJ, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025. Born June 22, 1927, Jean was the eldest child of John and Regina Hunt, followed by her four brothers, John, Francis, Robert, and Leonard. Jean grew up in Newark, New Jersey, attending Sacred Heart Grammar School and Immaculate Conception High School. She graduated from Saint Elizabeth College in Morristown, New Jersey with a degree in Chemistry in 1948. After graduation, Jean worked for several years as a chemist for Ciba Chemical Company in NJ.

Jean met the love of her life, Alfred Stephen Nugent, Jr., on December 4, 1954, crediting a fabulous green wool dress she bought for another occasion but wore on that fateful night. They were engaged by February 1955. Hence, her lifelong belief that one should proceed with optimism in all things, make sure to smile, and "wear the dress!" They were married on October 29, 1955, and had eight children, four sons and four daughters.

While living in Ridgewood, Jean and Al were active members at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and in their adopted parish, Our Lady of the Seas in Buxton on Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

In 1977, Jean was in a bookstore and saw "How to prepare for the LSAT" which prompted her to apply to Rutgers University from which she graduated with her law degree in 1981. She clerked for Superior Court Judge Greg J. Castano and then became a Deputy Attorney General in the AG's office in New Jersey from 1982 to 2002. During her time in the AG's office, she successfully argued several cases in front of the New Jersey Supreme Court.

In addition to her passion for the law, poetry, and crossword puzzles, her family recalls fondly how Jean shared with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren her innate goodwill and compassion for others as well as her inquisitive mind, wonder and affection for God's creation-the stars of the night sky, seashells on the shore, plants of the most obscure varieties, insects and reptiles no matter how frightening, and her love of birds on land or sea. Jean's gentle and loving presence in this world will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Jean is survived by her children and spouses, Alfred (Mary) Nugent, Maureen O'Brien Nugent, Mary Nugent, Elizabeth (Paul) Kaminsky, Frances (Michael) Balhoff, Patrick (Kathleen) Nugent, Robert (Kate) Nugent, Sarah (AJ) Lieberum, twenty-one grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, so far . . . as well as her youngest brother, Leonard Hunt.

Jean was predeceased by her husband, Alfred S. Nugent, Jr., her son, John F. Nugent, and her parents, John and Regina Hunt.

Visitation at Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 1 Passaic Street, Ridgewood, NJ, beginning 9 am June 21, 2025, until the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am, celebrated by her grandson, Fr. Michael Nugent. Immediately following the Mass, Internment will be at Maryrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Regina may be made to the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth (specify Retired and Infirm Sisters) online at scnj.org or mailed to Office of Legacy & Mission Advancement, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ 07961.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be live streamed. Click here to view the Mass at 9:30 am on June 21, 2025.