Regina A. Andrews-Collette

Regina Andrews-Collette was born on July 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was raised in South Philadelphia, where she lived with her mother, Sarah Simmons Andrews, and siblings, Kenneth, Charles, Blanche, and Adrienne. Regina was "the baby."

The family belonged to St. Peter Claver R.C. Church. Like her brother, Charles, and sisters, Blanche and Adrienne, Regina attended its grade school. Like her sisters, she also attended and graduated from St. Maria Goretti H.S. and proudly referred to herself as a "Goretti Girl." By working for the U.S. Postal Service, Regina paid her way through college, developed interest in social work and earned her bachelor’s degree from Temple University.

As a young adult, Regina fell in love and was thrilled when she gave birth to a baby boy. She named him Christopher and nicknamed him "Chooch." Regina absolutely loved and doted on him. Baby "Chooch" died very suddenly, and Regina's heart was absolutely broken, she remained very sad and inconsolable for some time.

When she was finally able to go on, she decided to resume her studies. She returned to Temple University, worked hard, earned her Master’s degree and a certification. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Regina also joined a sorority.

One day, Regina Andrews met/was wooed by George Collette a fellow student/classmate; they became a couple. Both were introduced to the Buddhist Religion, and both decided to convert. For the rest of her life, Regina remained a devout Buddhist. Regina and George were happily married for several years. Both were happy and proud when they became the parents of two lovely daughters, first, Njeri and later, Murjani. Eventually, the marriage ended in divorce. Regina went on with her life. Her focus was caring for her daughters, doing her job, living according to her faith, being good to her family and friends and helping those in need.

One day in 1989, her Social Work job in the field took her to the home of a family-in-distress. They lived in the same house where Regina's family lived when she was a baby and there was a baby there. Regina held the baby and they bonded. After receiving parental agreement and proper consents, Shalonna joined Njeri and Murjani and became Regina's third daughter.

Regina made a home for her family in New Jersey. For many years she was employed by the Bellmawr School District as a Social Worker, and she was dedicated to her job. If/when a situation called for it, Regina had no problem doing whatever needed to be done. Eventually, she retired from Bell Oaks Elementary School in Bellmawr, NJ, where she was the School's Social Worker for the Child Study Team. Regina made many connections not only with her colleagues, but also the children and their families. Regina Andrews-Collette has left an incredibly lasting impact on the community.

When a situation called for it, "Chee,” Regina's nickname from her South Philly friends, had no problem going an extra mile(s). She used to say,” If you're not on the way, you're in the way!"

Regina Andrews-Collette was also a prominent community figure. She served in many volunteer positions, including Veterans Affairs. She spent time with cancer patients. She could truly relate to their condition, as she too was a cancer survivor. At The Kimmel Center, she operated the help desk and assisted guests. At the USO at Philadelphia International Airport, Regina greeted and paid her respects to the US military personnel she encountered. Regina also spread information about diabetes awareness throughout various communities by offering risk testing.

Regina was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for almost 27 years and Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, Inc. for 16 years. In addition, she was previously the President of The Teachers Association. She also served on the Executive Committee for the NJEA (New Jersey Education Association).

Regina was definitely not one to sit at home doing nothing. From childhood, she was an avid reader. She had thousands of books and read every one of them. Miss Regina also liked to socialize, take trips to the ocean, and spend time at Virginia Beach.

Earthly life for Regina Andrews-Collette ended on December 1, 2023. She is now enjoying peace and tranquility and is completely free of suffering! Rest in Peace Regina and enjoy Heaven!

Regina is predeceased by her son, Christopher "Chooch;” parents, Sarah and James Andrews, and John Davis; her brothers, Kenneth Andrews and Charles Andrews; and her sister Blanche Andrews Jacobs.

Regina is survived by her three beloved daughters, Njeri Charity, Murjani Howard (Mark), and Shalonna Murray; grandchildren, Kilynn, Niara, Nile, and Makaio Charity; sister, Adrienne Andrews Harris (Allen); long-time dear friends Cheryl Pitts and Angelia Tutt; beloved partner Bob Spena; and her many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as a host of extended family members and friends.

Family and friends are invited to Regina’s visitation on Saturday, December 9th, 2023, from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM at LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home & Crematory, 441 White Horse Pike, Atco, NJ, 08004 with family eulogies beginning at 4:30 PM at the funeral home.