WAPPINGERS FALLS – Regina (Gina) Angela Pace, 77, an area resident since 1970 and a former resident of New Rochelle, died unexpectedly on January 14, 2024, in her home.

Born on November 30, 1946, in the Bronx, she was the daughter of Michael and Emmaline (Ahearn) Reilly. Regina was employed for many years by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging. She was a parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Wappingers Falls. Regina was an active member of her community and served as a member of the Town of Wappinger Planning Board. She also volunteered with the PTA, coached for the Town of Wappinger Little League, and served as a Girl Scout Leader. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, antique auctions, genealogy, reading and going to the beach, but more than anything, she loved her family! She was devoted to her dogs and rescued many cats and dogs throughout her lifetime. Most of her time was dedicated to her two grandsons (who lovingly called her Gigi) and their activities. You would find Gina on the sidelines at their soccer games, and sitting in the front row at school events. She was known to be the grandma who always had snacks for all the children. Gina had a generous heart and was described as a lovely lady. Her friends and family called upon her to provide solutions for a multitude of problems ranging from how to deal with gardening pests to how to rectify complicated problems.

Gina was well known for her Italian Christmas Eve Open House. She single-handedly cooked an elaborate feast of seven fishes for family and friends. Those who attended were like family to her and described the festivities as their favorite day of the year. She was an amazing cook and entertainer. She also enjoyed planting daylilies in her elaborate garden and touring gardens throughout the area.

She battled cancer three times throughout her life and beat it each time. She possessed fierce determination to conquer any challenge she faced and was admired for her toughness and grace. Her children's friends described Gina throughout her life as an amazing lady and enjoyed the love she showered upon them through phone calls and home cooked meals.

On August 15,1965 in Pelham, New York at Saint Catherine's Church, Regina married the love of her life, Salvatore Joseph Pace, who survives at home. She is also survived by her son, Christopher Pace; her daughter, Cara Pace Blusnavage and her husband, Victor; her grandsons, Eian Michael and Evan Matthew; her sisters, Maureen Esposito and her husband Anthony; Michele Stevens and her husband Kris; and Ann Marie Reilly; and her nieces and nephews, Michael, Charlotte, James Stevens and Andrea, Michael (Godson) and Matthew Carilli; Patrice (Goddaughter) and her son Hudson and Jack Ciardullo; Mia and Mark Miceli; Carl, Dianne, Olivia, Gabriella and Caroline Carilli. She considered her cousin Deborah Carilli like a sister and her husband Carl as a brother-in-law and her cousins Vincent and Catherine Ciardullo and Carolyn and Gerald Miceli as her additional sons and daughters. Gina pulled everyone close to her and devoted her life to their happiness. She is also survived by her best friend Anna Wise; her cousins Sylvia DiOrio; Vicky Glendinning; Bruce, Mary, Daniel, Zachary, and Anna Buchanan; Linda Buchanan; James, Lori, Jacob, Joshua, and Emma Buchanan; and Bonnie Buchanan and Justin Lampley. She was predeceased by her daughter, Angela Regina Pace; and her granddaughter, Emmaline Mae-Pace Blusnavage; her sister Bernadette and brother-in law Thomas Decker; her parents Michael and Emmaline Reilly; and her Aunt (second mother) Veronica and Uncle James Romano.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 19th, from 4-8pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, New York. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, January 20th, at 10am at Saint Mary Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill, New York. Interment will follow in St. Denis Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to an animal rescue organization of your choice or to Mid Hudson Animal Aid, 54 Simmons Lane, Beacon, New York.