Regina Oehmig
Regina Christine Matthews Oehmig died on Friday, March 27, 2009, in New Orleans, La., where she was completing her master’s degree of science in counseling, following the award of a master’s in pastoral studies at Loyola University.
She was born in Delhi, New York, on April 27, 1951 and graduated from Delaware Academy. She then took her bachelor of fine arts degree at Marymount College, Tarrytown, New York, and continued her studies of Art abroad in Florence, Italy.
After her studies, she moved to New York City, and was employed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In 1974, Gina moved to Chattanooga to join her parents and siblings who had made their home here.
In 1978, Gina married Lewis West Oehmig Jr. and became a much loved member of this Chattanooga family. She and West began their family in 1982, with the wonderful arrival of Lewis West Oehmig III. The family continued to grow with the exciting births of Neil Matthews Oehmig in 1984, William McRedmond King Oehmig in 1985 and Mary Frances Christine Oehmig in 1988.
Gina dedicated herself to the rearing of her family in the following years, and she remained active in the Junior League and other community service activities, especially her church, Our Lady of the Mount.
She decided to further her education by enrolling for her master’s degree when her children were grown and was committed to helping others in the ministry of counseling.
She is survived by her husband of 31 years, her three sons and daughter, Lewis, Matt, William, and Christine, to whom she has left an incredible legacy of love and devotion.
She is the daughter of Frances and William Alt and T. Neil Matthews, who died in 1968.
She is survived by her sisters, Barbara Law (Grant) and Elizabeth Matthews; brothers, Tracy Matthews (Cheryl); Stephen Matthews (Shawn), and Peter Matthews (Dawn). She also leaves behind her brother-in-law, King Oehmig (Margy), nieces, nephews, god children and friends. All of whom thank God for His gift of Gina to our lives for the past 57 years.
A Requiem Mass and burial service will be held at Our Lady of the Mount Catholic, Lookout Mountain on Wednesday at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends in the Parish Hall on hour before the service.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share condolences.
Remembrances may be made in her honor to Loyola Institute for Ministry, 6363 St. Charles Avenue, Camus Box 67, New Orleans, La. 70118, or your charity.
Gina will be remembered for her inherent selflessness, her unshakable faith, and her complete devotion to her family. Her motherly instincts were guided by a certain silent wisdom that pervaded her every action and word.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 7454 East Brainerd Road.