In memory of
Regina Lourdes Holden
September 4, 1939 - November 27, 2025
Our dear Regina Lourdes Holden, (nee dos Santos), passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on Thursday November 27, 2025. Regina was predeceased by her dear husband, Brian Sr.
Loving mother of Brian Jr. and dear mom-in-law of Joanne. Devoted Vo-Vo of Simon and Emily. Dear sister-in-law of Anita. Dear aunt to Jacinta, Lynette and Phillip.
Regina was born in Hong Kong on September 4th, 1939, as the eldest child to Estella, (nee Rocha), and Rinaldo dos Santos. She had three brothers; Rinaldo Jr.(predeceased), Henry (predeceased) and Eddie.
Regina spent her first few years in Macau as a refugee as Hong Kong had been invaded. When it was safe, Regina and her family returned to Hong Kong.
Regina was educated at the Maryknoll Convent School in Hong Kong. She became part of the alumni and was a volunteer for many years. She continued to attend functions in Canada, and around the world. She was very proud to have attended and graduated from Maryknoll Convent School.
Regina met Brian in Hong Kong as he was in the British Army. They married in Nelson, Lancashire, England in 1958. They spent many years living between England and Hong Kong. They travelled to many interesting places with their family. Regina’s academic aptitude would take her far in her career, she attended a top secretarial college in England, internationally recognized for its program. When living in Hong Kong, Regina worked as a personal assistant for CY Tung, and later for CH Tung, who became a key political figure in Hong Kong. Regina was professionally recognized for her impeccable organizational and linguistic skills.
In 1977 Brian’s employment brought the family to Canada. Regina attended Humber College and was certified as a legal secretary. She was hired by McCarthy Tétreault and worked in medical litigation, tax and corporate law. In retirement she worked part time as a personal assistant for a retired lawyer. She was very proud to have worked in the legal profession and was highly esteemed by her colleagues who recognized her valuable contributions to their legal practice.
Regina was active in the community where she fostered many friendships and connections with her warmth, generosity and social nature. She attended both St. Ignatius Loyola and St. Francis of Assisi Parishes. She joined Clarkson Community Centre and attended Tai Chi and Line Dancing classes. However, she often said it was more about the socializing than the exercising and deeply appreciated her Clarkson community. She often would go out for lunch with friends following class and would share stories of her adventures at dinner with family.
She was an amazing cook and won the “Top Minchi” award. She also made a highly sought after Christmas cake.
Our dear Regina remained sharp and active in her latter years. She was proud that she could drive, cook, read, knit and always knew what was happening around the neighbourhood. She was a true force who loved her friends and family fiercely with all of her heart.
Regina, you have touched so many people who have crossed your path over the years. We have been blessed to have been part of your life’s journey. You will be deeply missed by your family, friends and community.
Visitation on Thursday December 4th, 2025 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Pine Hills Funeral Centre and Cemetery, 625 Birchmount Road, Scarborough.
In lieu of flowers donations to Liver Canada (formerly the Canadian Liver Foundation).
https://liver.ca/
Loving mother of Brian Jr. and dear mom-in-law of Joanne. Devoted Vo-Vo of Simon and Emily. Dear sister-in-law of Anita. Dear aunt to Jacinta, Lynette and Phillip.
Regina was born in Hong Kong on September 4th, 1939, as the eldest child to Estella, (nee Rocha), and Rinaldo dos Santos. She had three brothers; Rinaldo Jr.(predeceased), Henry (predeceased) and Eddie.
Regina spent her first few years in Macau as a refugee as Hong Kong had been invaded. When it was safe, Regina and her family returned to Hong Kong.
Regina was educated at the Maryknoll Convent School in Hong Kong. She became part of the alumni and was a volunteer for many years. She continued to attend functions in Canada, and around the world. She was very proud to have attended and graduated from Maryknoll Convent School.
Regina met Brian in Hong Kong as he was in the British Army. They married in Nelson, Lancashire, England in 1958. They spent many years living between England and Hong Kong. They travelled to many interesting places with their family. Regina’s academic aptitude would take her far in her career, she attended a top secretarial college in England, internationally recognized for its program. When living in Hong Kong, Regina worked as a personal assistant for CY Tung, and later for CH Tung, who became a key political figure in Hong Kong. Regina was professionally recognized for her impeccable organizational and linguistic skills.
In 1977 Brian’s employment brought the family to Canada. Regina attended Humber College and was certified as a legal secretary. She was hired by McCarthy Tétreault and worked in medical litigation, tax and corporate law. In retirement she worked part time as a personal assistant for a retired lawyer. She was very proud to have worked in the legal profession and was highly esteemed by her colleagues who recognized her valuable contributions to their legal practice.
Regina was active in the community where she fostered many friendships and connections with her warmth, generosity and social nature. She attended both St. Ignatius Loyola and St. Francis of Assisi Parishes. She joined Clarkson Community Centre and attended Tai Chi and Line Dancing classes. However, she often said it was more about the socializing than the exercising and deeply appreciated her Clarkson community. She often would go out for lunch with friends following class and would share stories of her adventures at dinner with family.
She was an amazing cook and won the “Top Minchi” award. She also made a highly sought after Christmas cake.
Our dear Regina remained sharp and active in her latter years. She was proud that she could drive, cook, read, knit and always knew what was happening around the neighbourhood. She was a true force who loved her friends and family fiercely with all of her heart.
Regina, you have touched so many people who have crossed your path over the years. We have been blessed to have been part of your life’s journey. You will be deeply missed by your family, friends and community.
Visitation on Thursday December 4th, 2025 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Pine Hills Funeral Centre and Cemetery, 625 Birchmount Road, Scarborough.
In lieu of flowers donations to Liver Canada (formerly the Canadian Liver Foundation).
https://liver.ca/
Funeral Details
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Visitation
Pine Hills Cemetery & Funeral Centre
625 Birchmount Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M1K 1R1
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Thursday, 4 Dec 2025 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Info: A Private Family Service will be held at a later date.