Regina “Reggie” Garas Sciandra, 89, of Hendersonville passed away Monday, April 24, 2017 at the Laurels of Hendersonville.
Born in North Tonawanda, NY, she was the daughter of the late Josef and Leckadia “Lottie” Garas. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Russ Sciandra.
Reggie was raised in Alden, NY and later moved to Buffalo. Trained as an x-ray technician, she worked first at a dental office where she met her future husband, Russ. They were married in 1948 and moved from Buffalo to Orlando where they raised a family of five. In their post-retirement years, they moved to the Hendersonville area and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard. Reggie was always a hard worker and focused on doing for others more than for herself.
Surviving are her daughters, Barbara Jo Craig and husband, Bob, of Waynesville; Joanne Biddle and husband, Bill, of Horse Shoe; Mary Sciandra of Cocoa, FL; and Lucy Sciandra of Orlando, FL; her son, Russell Sciandra of Chippewa Falls, WI; and grandchildren, Mary Craig and Benjamin Craig, both of Waynesville, and Nick Biddle and wife, Kelsey, of Perry, GA.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust Fund, c/o Dennis Sanders, CART Chairman, 17 Ches Drive, Franklin, NC 28734 or by clicking here , or to the Knights of Columbus Council #8886, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Brian Berg Ln., Brevard, NC 28712.
Date: Friday, May 12, 2017
Time: 11:00 am
Mary Savage posted on 5/1/17
After moving from Orlando to Tallahassee in 1996, both Reg and Russ lived with us a little over a month while their new home was being completed. What a treat for us! It felt like we had won the lottery! Clean house every day when we would return from work/school, delicious suppers with candle light and great conversation! They were like grandparents to our three boys, the oldest wondering if we were going to "eat gourmet" again tonight, as we all had not experienced meals like Reggie would create. I nominated Reggie for the Senior Silver Star Award in 1999. This recognizes seniors for outstanding contributions to their community and life's accomplishments. She won the award base on the very few details I knew about her life. Growing up without her mom on their farm, raising her siblings, doing all chores involved with that lifestyle. Tough start, but that made her all the more strong and energetic to not only to care for family but to develop friendships with so many and support communities and churches no matter where she lived. She befriended Tony's Mom Betty after the passing of his Dad. They would go shopping and to the movies together. She really enhanced Betty's life and we appreciated that more than anyone can know. Reggie and Russ were both wonderful people, and will be sorely missed. Rest in heavenly peace, Reggie Tony and Mary Savage and family