Regina Marie Matto

Regina Marie Matto, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on  March 27th, 2024, at her home in Napa while in the loving care of her family.

Regina, or as for those that were close to her Gina, was born on February 8th, 1947 ,to Bernice and Henry Kessler, in Palo Alto, California. She started her life journey in Menlo Park and moved to San Jose at an early age and graduated from Notre Dame high school.  She and her husband Gary met at the county fair and were married at the Brookdale Lodge in Boulder Creek on October 31st, 1964. Gina had a way with people, making many friends with almost everyone she met.  She loved to travel, loved animals of all kinds, loved to talk and to read and shop, But her real passion was motherhood. Gina’s children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. She attended every game, show, or fundraising event and supported everything that her children and grandchildren did. Gina was not only the most nurturing and caring mother to her 5 children , 8 granchildren , and her great grandchild , but she also devoted 20+ years to being a foster parent. Gina always gave all of her love and grace to each and every child and family she met. She truly was a mother to all, not only opening her home to foster children but also every neighbor, teammate, or friend of both her children and grandchildren. She never minced words and could tease with no mercy.

She is survived by her husband Gary, her children; Lisa (Tom Gomez), Jennifer (Forest Bitler), Joseph (Leanne), Charles (Erica), and Zenetta, her grandchildren; Dominic, Sara (Blake Zuniga), Emily, Dakota, Farrah, Amaya, Henry, and Jack, and her great grandson, Carson. We all miss her terribly.

 Many thanks to Providence Home Healthcare and Napa Hospice, who provided great care for the last difficult years of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations to The American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

A Service will be held Friday May 10th, at 11 am, at The Chapel Tulocay Cemetery, 411 Coombsville Rd in Napa. A celebration of Regina’s life will follow.

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