Geraldine "Gerry" Loretta Regez

Geraldine “Gerry” Loretta Regez

May 8, 1936-August 8, 2026

Gerry Parsons was born May 8, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to Lawrence and Vera Parsons, Gerry grew up near 18th and Rockwell in Chicago and graduated from Harrison High School, later earning a B.S. in Education from the University of Illinois-Champaign.

Gerry married James Hayner and raised their children Judith Hayner Hedegaard and Jeff Hayner in Freeport, Illinois. In 1982, she married Donald K. Regez and she and Don had a beautiful, full, and active life together full of national and international travel, grandchildren’s activities, parties for any occasion, Florida/Destin winters, Hayward cabins, Galena New Year’s parties, Green Lake adventures, their children weddings, and loads of family celebrations.

Gerry worked at Freeport High School, SACC Vocational Center, and ended her career as the Executive Director of the United Way of Freeport. She had a wide circle of friends from her early married days Potluck group, bridge playing gatherings, career colleagues, and her beloved “muffins” who have had weekly breakfasts together for the past 38 years. Gerry was a life long learner and embraced new technology, online Bridge games, and actively followed her grandchildren’s Instagram accounts. She enrolled in Mahjong classes at 85, and loved her Mahjong Mondays with new friends.

Gerry was a 65 year member of PEO. She was a member of Amity and Rockford Bridge Center, where she and her partner loved to discuss their master level point totals. Gerry was an active member of First Methodist Church of Freeport. She looked forward to coordinating ham loaf orders every November, which she did for 18 plus years at the church.

Gerry is survived by her children: Judy Hedegaard (Jens), Jeff Hayner(Abbe) and step children Nadine Lower (James) and Scott Regez (Heidi), seven grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and sister Bonnie Raye Parsons. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald K. Regez and her parents.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Thursday August 13, 2026, at First United Methodist Church. Rev Joey Millard Garcea Jr. will officiate. Visitation 9:00 am until the time of service. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be held. Following the luncheon, burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established for First United Methodist Church in Gerry's memory.