Obituaries

Groton- Regina E Chesbro Babonas passed away at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital on September 1, 2021.

She was born to Bessie May (Cooper) and Floyd Chesbro Sr. on December 20, 1947. Regina attended Ledyard and North Stonington schools where she formed many cherished friendships.

One of Regina’s favorite jobs was working at Hilbert’s Diner with her sisters. This is where she met the love of her life, her loving husband, John Babonas. They shared 34 years of marriage before his passing in 2002. Together they had four children, their son, Ralph and Barbara Babonas of Mystic and three daughters, Tammy and Chad Schmidt of Georgetown, SC, Crystal and Kenneth Smith of Ledyard, and Jennifer and David Carver of Groton. Their children blessed them with 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Regina lived her life for her family. Immediate and extended family were often found around the kitchen table at the family home on Flanders Rd with coffee cups and laughter. Phone calls and conversations typically ended with her saying “Coffee’s on!” All were welcome at her table.

She was an avid Disney fan and lover of country music. She took great pride in her collection of Disney movies and was a walking encyclopedia of country music history. Many nights the family gathered to watch the Grand Ole Opry and Hee Haw and she loved to watch her grandchildren enjoy the magic of Disney.

Regina enjoyed a lifetime of love and laughter among her seven siblings. She was preceded in death by her older siblings, Floyd Chesbro Jr, Betty Rita Kinney, and Nancy Maher. She leaves behind her three sisters, Darleen Crandall (Fred) of Mystic, Roseanne Palmer of Ledyard, Sue Cleveland (Eddie) of Centreville, AL and her brother Michael Chesbro of Lebanon.

She was proud of her accomplishments with her sisters coordinating and decorating a float for the Groton Light Parade. One year a float of carolers in handmade costumes. Another year a float of Disney characters merrily caroling along the parade route.

The family would like to thank her caregivers at Groton Regency and Lawrence and Memorial Hospital for their care and compassion during her stays in the past few years.

The coffee will be on at a Celebration of Life at the Groton Elks Club at 700 Shennecossett Rd, Groton, CT 06340 from 11am to 3pm on October 2, 2021. Burial will be private.