Regina Ann Friese Pierce, age 94, of Amelia Island, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, March 19, 2017.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, August 6, 1922, Regina was the daughter of Anna and Charles Friese. Mr. Friese had a successful meat business in the style of open air large covered markets in the 1920�s going forward. As an accomplished pianist, Regina graduated from Eastern High School in Baltimore, and worked briefly at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company where she met her husband, Lawrence who was a young lawyer working there. It was 1941, and they were married within six months on November 30, 1941, precisely one week before Pearl Harbor. Lawrence served his country as a Captain in the US Army stationed in the Philippines with the JAG Corps for one year just as the war ended. Upon his return, they moved to Arlington, VA., where Lawrence began work with the Veterans Administration and after years of service, became Chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals, appointed by three Presidents. During the Arlington years, Regina was extremely active as Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, church-based Daycare Director, and was known as a very capable hostess among friends and colleagues in the area of DC and Virginia enjoying every minute of it.
Upon retirement, the couple moved to Ft. Myers, FL., where they enjoyed a perfect Florida lifestyle with hosts of friends and activities. They traveled the US and abroad. Always active in the church, Regina also began a garden club, women�s club, played golf and all of the other activities included in communities of that type. They lived happily in Ft. Myers for over 30 years.
They moved to Amelia Island in 2005 when Lawrence�s health began to take a turn, and immediately joined Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where they would know and admire three pastors�Ed O�Shea, Ray Ramsburg and now, Ida Iverson. After joining, Regina was astonished that there was no women�s group in the church at the time. Pastor Ramsburg suggested to her that she start one. She did just that, and the group is known as the �Sunshine Ladies.�
After Lawrence passed in 2007, Regina moved to the independent living area of Osprey Village keeping up with activities when she was able at the time. So many wonderful people live there and the staff is helpful and caring. She lived for 94 of the most beautiful years anyone could possibly have lived, and she always knew that she was truly blessed.
She is survived by daughter, Anne Entriken (Sam); daughter, Elaine Rens (Brad); Grandchildren, Karen Entriken Peters, Matt Entriken (Megan), Alison Lane (Rob), Ashley Montgomery (Will); Great grandchildren, Lindsay Peters, Lauren Peters, Elle Entriken, Lucy Entriken, Matthew Lane, Andrew Lane, Samanthat Montgomery and another Montgomery great grandson on the way.
There will be a celebration of life at 2:00 pm in the Villas Dining Room at Osprey Village on Thursday, April 20, 2017.
Contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034