Regina Petlowany, 87, died peacefully in her home on March 25, 2011. Born in Cleveland, OH, she was known as Irene, though her given name was Regina. As a beauty operator, she owned the lucrative Park Avenue Beauty Salon. Regina and her husband, Teddy, moved to St. Petersburg, FL in 1969, then to Sebastian in 1987.
Regina was a member of St. Sebastian Church for 24 years, and a member of their Womens Guild for 22 years, serving as the Guilds 50/50 Lady for 10 years. She enjoyed being part of the Crafty Ladies of St. Sebastian, volunteering for church events, working the Fall Festival Boutique and helping in the church office. Regina was a self-taught oil painting artist and hobbies included quilt making, sewing and crafting, but most important to her was rosary making. She began making rosaries while living in St. Pete, and continued until two years ago when working such a meticulous art became difficult. As a 30-year member of Our Ladys Rosary Makers Assn., she hand-made nearly 2000 rosaries, presenting them as gifts to family, friends, the missions and the churchs gift shop, never charging for a custom rosary or repair.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Annette and Roger Arnhart (TX), granddaughter and husband, Cheryl and Shane Strejcek and great-grandchildren Nathan, Nyssa, Christopher (OH), sister, Helen (Zee) Zajaczkowski (OH) and step-son David Petlowany (OH).
Mrs. Petlowany was preceded in death by husband Theodore Petlowany, son Thomas (Tommy) Zayac, grandson Adam Grzincic, brother Stanley and sisters Stephanie and Wanda.
Services: Mon. April 4, calling hour 6 p.m., & Rosary 7 p.m., at Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Sebastian. Tues. April 5, 11 a.m., Rev. John Morrissey will celebrate a Memorial Mass for his Queen at St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Interment at Sebastian Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Sebastian, FL. Condolences may be sent to www.seawindsfh.com/obituaries.php