BARBARA DANUTA REGO
(née Turlej)
It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we share with you the news that on September 7, 2021, Barbara passed away peacefully at the age of 77 with her husband and daughter by her side.
Barbara was born in Makindu, Kenya, to Adela and Cyprian Turlej, refugees from Poland at the end of the Second World War. She met her husband Joseph Anthony (Tony) Rego in Nairobi on her 17th birthday, a love affair that traversed 3 continents, produced two children and 3 grandchildren, and has lasted 60 years. We feel confident that all who had the pleasure of knowing her would join us in describing her as a true force of nature: full of energy, unstoppable, and unforgettable. A gifted artist, talented chef, and master of languages (speaking fluent Polish, Swahili and English), Barbara was well-known for her social skills, great sense of humour, and ease with which she could connect with people, young and old. She was instrumental in establishing the first nursery school at Charlottetown Junior Public School in West Hill, where she also taught until she decided to become a full-time homemaker. For her, making the decision to leave her position to become the “CEO” of the household was an easy one, as for her, family always came first. She was a loving wife, selfless mother, and doting grandmother. She was always our biggest supporter, ally, and advocate. She leaves behind her husband Tony, daughter Melanie, son Simon (Adriana), granddaughter Scarlet, grandsons Diego and Sebastian, a few distant relatives and many, many friends. But for every sunrise and for every sunset, ever, she is here, right by our side, always. A small private graveside service has been held. For those who may be interested in honouring her memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society: https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give
“A woman filled with light makes everything she touches brighter.”
– Jill Santopolo, The Light We Lost