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Regina F. Webb

SALEM — Regina Frances Webb, formerly of Salem, Ohio, died Sept. 6, 2017, in Cleveland Heights surrounded by her family. She was 93.

Regina was born July 1, 1924, in Georgetown, Pa., to Anna Gilbert Hilditch and Francis Fowler Hilditch.

She moved with her family to Salem in the 1930s, and was a graduate of St. Paul School and Salem High School. She held a degree from Kent State University.

Regina was employed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton during the World War II war effort, and then later at the Salem law office of Metzger, McCorkhill & Metzger. While working at the Salem Engineering Company she met her future husband, John F. “Jack” Webb.

She was an active member of St. Paul Catholic Church, where she had been a Minister of the Eucharist, lector, chair of the Environmental and Art Committee, president of the St. Paul Home and School Association, and Confraternity of Christian Doctrine teacher. Other positions held by Regina were president of the Womens Association of the Salem Golf Club and president of the Salem Garden Club. Her talent for gardening and flower arranging led her to affiliations with the Garden Club of Ohio, the National Council of State Garden Clubs, and Ohio Judges Council. She also became a nationally accredited flower show master judge.

Regina was a prolific reader who loved words and learning. She always had a book going, usually a mystery or legal thriller, and the path to the Salem Public Library was well-worn. Medical and horticultural books, encyclopedias and an unabridged dictionary held a special place in her heart and were always within consulting range. She certainly passed that on to her children and grandchildren. Her children were never told how to spell a difficult word: that was a time for an adventure in the dictionary. Books were considered some of the best gifts one could give. She read with her children and later grandchildren as often as possible, and definitely before bed. She and her husband Jack enjoyed watching “Jeopardy” and were both crossword puzzle aficionados. Cups of tea were always at her elbow or just being steeped. Her children knew to always have tea bags at the ready in their houses.

Her Catholic faith was a central element in her life. She and Jack modeled that faith and it was one of the greatest gifts to their family. Her constant devotion to the lives of her children and grandchildren has forever stamped them “hers” and God’s.

Regina had an enthusiastic approach to life; she relished education, travel, and new experiences, and highly encouraged her family to do the same. She was always ready for jaunts out and about, visiting her children, or cheering for grandchildren at sporting events. Her eye for detail and creating beauty left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her flower arrangements were an exquisite expression of the beauty in her and the elegance she saw in the world.

Her five children and several grandchildren had the honor of holding her as she moved into eternal life. They are comforted knowing she has rejoined her husband Jack and her large family in the presence of God.

Regina is survived by her five children, Regina Ann Webb (Paula); Mary Pat Eckerd (George Jr.), both of Cleveland Heights, Madelyn Webb Knepper (William) and J. Mark Webb (Nancy) of Salem and Nanette Marie Webb (Dr. Varun Kalra) of Cleveland Heights. Nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and another great-grandchild on the way also survive her. Grandchildren are Kate Eckerd Hufford of Los Angeles, George Eckerd III of Washington, D.C., Mariah Knepper Roj of Cleveland and Blake Knepper of Salem, Evan Webb of Tampa and Dana Webb and Brendan Webb of Salem, Anna and Christopher Kalra of Cleveland; and two great-grandsons, Finnegan Roj and Marlow Roj of Cleveland. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Harper of Canfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Regina was preceded by her husband of 61 years, Jack Webb, who died in October 2014.

She is also preceded by sisters, Mary Roessler, Catherine Hilditch, Helen Turney, Virginia Ferris, Bernice Hilditch, Pauline Birkhimer, and brothers Edward, William and Joseph Hilditch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 11 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Salem.

Visiting hours at Stark Memorial Funeral Home in Salem will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 10. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery.

Her favorite charities were the St. Paul School Foundation; Our Lady’s Purse at St. Paul Church; and Medical Mission Sisters, 8400 Pine Road, Philadelphia, Pa. 19111.

Regina’s obituary may be viewed and condolences sent online at www.starkmemorial.com.

9/9/17

(Paid obituary)