Regina F. Coleman, 67, of Middletown, passed away on Saturday May 12, 2018, at home. She was born in Abington, PA to James V. and Eleanor F. Coleman. She is survived by her daughter, Jessica Lalli and her grand-daughter, Bella Lalli, of Middletown RI; her siblings Ellen Coleman-Luther and her partner Tim Coen of Middletown, RI; Bruce Coleman and his wife Danielle of Daytona, FL; Gregory Coleman and his wife Patrice of Tiverton, RI; and Mark Coleman and his wife Lori of Lakeland, FL.; her former husband William Lalli, many nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog Maggie. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Eleanor Coleman, and her brother Dennis Coleman.
Gina traveled all over the United States as a young girl being part of a large military family. She attended many different schools which enticed her love for education. The family settled in Newport, RI upon their father’s retirement as a Commander in the US Navy. Gina graduated from St. Catherine’s Academy, where she enjoyed being a cheerleader, attending many dances and being crowned prom queen. She then went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Education and then her Master’s degree in Special Education from Rhode Island College. Gina started her teaching career at Newport County Catholic Regional School in Middletown. She then advanced through the Newport School system sharing her gift of compassion for children with Special Needs. She ended her 30-year teaching career teaching Ancient History at Thompson Middle School where she was loved and respected by her students and her fellow colleagues. Education was very important to Gina. She loved watching her beloved granddaughter Bella learn to read and write. Waiting for her to come home from school and share her day brought her great joy. Her daughter Jessica was her pride and joy and her constant companion. Gina visited many places over the years with her sister and shared many great memories along the way. She loved skiing in NH and VT and would escape to the slopes in her younger years as often as she could. She had an incredible wit about her and the stories she shared at family gatherings would always leave everyone laughing. She loved all kinds of jewelry and shopping at Thrift Stores. She was a free spirit and loved being her own person. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Calling hours will be held on Friday May 18, 2018 from 5-8pm in Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway in Newport. Her funeral will be held on
Saturday May 19, 2018 at 9 am in the funeral home with a Mass of Christian burial at 10 am in St. Lucy’s Church 909 West Main Road in Middletown.
Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park 123 Howland Avenue in Middletown
