Madison, WI – Regina Louise Elliott (Ernster), 78, of Fort Myers Beach, FL went to her eternal home on September 22, 2021 due to complications with Alzheimer’s disease. Regina (Gina) was born April 24, 1943 to Raymond and Elizabeth Ernster (Hacker) in Milwaukee, WI and was raised in Shorewood, WI with three younger sisters (Glorianne, Elizabeth, and Joan) and older brother (John). Gina graduated from Dominican High School in 1961.

After several years of working, she married her sweetheart Robert Elliott on February 15, 1969. Gina and Bob moved to West Allis, WI where they built their home and started a family. Gina loved being a mother and selflessly and tirelessly raised three amazing boys which were the greatest joys of her life. With her care and devotion, she watched them grow to become wonderful brothers, partners, husbands, and fathers. Gina loved spending time with her beloved children over everything else. Gina and Bob spent 52 wonderful years together until her passing this fall.

Gina was also a lover of all animals, especially her dogs; Rigby, Cosmo, and Bentley, and spoiled them rotten whenever possible. Gina and Bob spent many summers at their family cabin in Manitowish Waters, WI and their seaside condo in Fort Myers Beach, FL. On the weekends, Gina could be found wearing University of Wisconsin Badger apparel while watching a football, hockey or basketball game. Gina’s other passion in life was art, and she loved viewing abstract and multi-media galleries and attending art fairs. She developed her own skills in painting and quilting which she shared with her children as special gifts. As a devout Catholic, she was an active member of numerous parishes including St Matthias, St. Gregory the Great, and Our Lady of Lourdes in Milwaukee, WI; Cathedral Parish in Madison, WI; St. Leo the Great in Bonita Springs, FL. Gina enjoyed her friendships she developed in the church and loved being a member of the church choir. After Bob’s retirement, Gina and Bob travelled to several memorable locations including the holy sites in Jerusalem, Hawaiian Islands, the Islands of the Caribbean, and mountains of Colorado.

Gina is survived by her husband Robert, her children, Michael (Liz), Bryan (Jennifer), and Todd (Katie); her grandchildren Lila and Maggie and siblings John, Joan, and Glorianne. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Elizabeth.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Gina is scheduled for October 23, 2021 at 11 am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church located at 404 E. Main Street in Madison WI. It will be immediately followed by a light lunch in the church.

Dementia may have overtaken her body, but couldn’t affect her heart and spirit. Some of the best moments were spent during these last few years, just sitting with her and telling her how loved she was. We were so in awe of her, as she bravely endured this disease and the associated complications. Her strength made us all so proud. In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, memorials can be made in Gina’s name to the Alzheimer's Association. A special thanks to all of the health care professionals who supported Gina throughout her life, especially Nancy, Gaelle, Abby, and Marlaine who helped Gina through the final years of her disease. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

Regina Elliott

April 24, 1943 - September 22, 2021

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