Regina Cacelie Matthiesen

Regina lived a remarkable life, moving from danger and difficulty in Germany during and right after WWII to stability, peace and safety for herself and her daughter in Pittsburgh PA and Silver Spring MD. Born in Danzig, Germany (which became Gdansk, Poland after the war) in 1939 to a Jewish father and Catholic mother, Regina survived the holocaust and the war with her family by deftly moving and hiding at critical moments. After the war, her family was expelled from Danzig and moved to Flensburg, Germany. Regina’s older sister came to Pittsburgh as a mail-order bride and encouraged Regina to move to the states. Regina finally took up her offer, overcoming an abusive marriage and seeking a safe and supportive place to bring up her 5-year-olddaughter, Susanne. 

Once settled in Pittsburgh in 1975, Regina supported herself and Susanne as a nurses aide in Suburban General Hospital. She quickly gained a reputation in the hospital and the area as a kind and hard-working mom, who always listened and laughed with patients, neighbors, family, and friends. She worked hard to make ends meet and developed an expertise in finding great deals at the local thrift and other second-hand stores. She liked to reminisce and tell stories, many of which focused either on her positive memories of her life in Germany or on finding some amazing deal. A dedicated single parent, she took great pride in her daughter, helping Susanne become the first in the family to finish high school, college, and graduate school.

Regina retired and moved to Silver Spring, Maryland in 2012 to be closer to her family, particularly her two grandchildren Maya and Quinlan. They grew up loving and respecting their “Oma”, sharing laughs and hugs, learning from the stories about life in Germany and accompanying her on a trip back to her earlier home.  Regina enjoyed many close friendships in Maryland, and she engaged in a variety of social activities in the Homecrest House community. During the last few years of her life, Regina stayed active and independent despite a weakening heart. Her life ended peacefully in the comfort of her home on the afternoon of July 2, 2024. She is survived by her daughter Susanne Matthiesen, son-in-law Jeffrey Kohn, and her beloved grandchildren Maya Matthiesen Kohn and Quinlan Matthiesen Kohn.

A Committal Service will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery. 

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