Regina T. Wilk

Wilk, Regina T. July 25, 1923 - November 14, 2004 Regina T. Wilk, 81, past National President of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., died November 14, at her son Philip Wilk and daughter-in-law Heather Wilk s home. Mrs. Wilk was born July 25, 1923, in Watervliet, New York, to Anthony and Tekla Rajczewski. She was the youngest of nine children. She graduated from Albany High School in 1941. In 1943, she married U.S. Army Lieutenant Anthony J. Wilk, in Albany, NY. Mrs. Wilk worked for the War Department, while Lt. Wilk fought in Europe. After War World II, she lived in Maryland, New Mexico, and New York. In 1962 she moved with her family to Silver Spring, MD. Mrs. Wilk was the mother of five sons: William, Eric, Christopher, Philip, and Damian. In the spring of 1967, her son Eric was seriously wounded in Vietnam. In the summer of 1967, her son William was killed in Vietnam. Mrs. Wilk became very involved in the American Gold Star Mother, Inc., an organization of mothers whose sons and daughters died in the line of duty in the armed forces. She was elected to many positions within the American Gold Star Mothers, including Chapter, Department, and National President. In 1977 she became the first Vietnam-era National President, and led 17,000 members in 525 chapters. During her tenure as President, the organization celebrated its 50th anniversary. She petitioned, and received, tax-exempt status for the organization s headquarters building in Washington, D.C. As National President, she laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Arlington National Cemetery. From 1976 through 1978, Mrs. Wilk was on the Board of Trustees for the American Gold Star Manor. She also was active with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. She wielded a shovel at the groundbreaking of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982, and helped organize the memorial s dedication. For many years she served as a Ward Hostess, in the Veterna s Administration Hospital, Washington, DC. Her husband, Anthony J. Wilk PhD, who was a physicist, passed away July 9, 1982. The following year she moved to Leisure World, in Silver Spring, MD. She was a life member of both the Maryknights of the Knights of Columbus, and the Ladies Auxillary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. She served as a President of the Maryknights. She was also very involved in St. Andrew Apostle Parish and School, and Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. She served as President of the Good Counsel Mothers Club. Regina Wilk was a secretary at St. Andrew Apostle Rectory from 1972, until she had a debilitating stroke in 1993. After almost a year of rehabilitation, Regina Wilk was able to live independently at her home in Leisure World. In 1999, due to worsening health, she moved in with her son Philip Wilk, and daughter-in-law Heather Wilk. In 2003, family and friends celebrated her life at an 80th birthday party. Regina Wilk is survived by her four sons and their wives: Eric G. Wilk (Barbara); Christopher A. Wilk (Susan); Philip A. Wilk (Heather); and Damian A. Wilk (Claire). Mrs. Wilk is also survived by her brother Leon Rajczewski and sister Genevieve Domagalski. She has eighteen grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren. Relatives and friends may call at FRANCIS J. COLLINS FUNERAL HOME, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD from 2-4pm and 7-9pm, on Thursday, November 18, 2004. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Andrews Apostle Catholic Church, 11600 Kemp Mill Road in Silver Spring, MD on Friday, November 19, 2004 at 11:00am. Interment to follow immediately at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. 301-871-6500.