Regina Marie Robbins was born to George and Marie Robbins on October 7, 1950 in Binghamton, NY. Regina set a high bar for herself even as a child, earning distinction in marksmanship and archery at summer camp. As a student at Binghamton High School, Reggie excelled as a member of the Honor Society and participated in a wide variety of sports and activities including Ski Club, Military Color Guard, Basketball, Class Vice President as well as a place on the Tennis Team, where she had the opportunity to volley with tennis legend Billy Jean King.
Upon graduation, Regina was accepted to Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences, where she obtained a degree in Political Science, was active on the school’s Fencing Team and graduated Cum Laude in 1972. When the New York State Police opened the academy to women in 1973, Regina applied and was admitted. To no one’s surprise, her scores in both the physical and academic entrance exams qualified her to join the academy without the need of a gender handicap. Regina graduated first in her class and achieved the distinction of being the first female trooper in New York state.
Her 11-year career with the State Police included many accolades and achievements, becoming the first woman to advance to the rank of sergeant. Her work securing the Athlete’s Olympic Village during the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics earned her commendation, as well as the gift of a hockey stick from the Swedish Hockey team. Injured in the line of duty, Regina retired from the force and enrolled at the prestigious Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Reggie would eventually start her own successful practice in the Syracuse area. Her love of animals and veterinary medicine continued when she and her partner moved to Stockholm, Sweden and Regina founded her own veterinary supply import business.
Dividing her time between Sweden and Provincetown, MA. Regina loved classical music, travel, sci-fi television, making new friends, playing the stock market, driving her Jaguar, and mastering new interests and hobbies, as well as supporting the charities that were near and dear to her heart: Habitat for Humanity, Greenpeace, World Wildlife Federation, The Ocean Conservatory and many more. Regina also loved the role of honorary grandparent and mentor to her godson’s children, Xander and Cooper Dawson.
Never one to shrink from a challenge, Regina met her cancer diagnosis in 2016 with courage, determination, and an arsenal of newfound knowledge. For five years she fought valiantly, never allowing the cancer to stop her from pursuing her passions, whether it was renovating her new home or getting re-certified to scuba dive in Hawaii in between chemotherapy treatments. Regina’s last days were spent in the company of her beloved godson, Michael Dawson, who held her hand and whispered words of comfort until she was finally at peace.
Regina was predeceased by her parents, George and Marie Robbins and her partner, Anne Livingston. She leaves behind her brother, Alan Robbins and her godson, Michael Dawson and his family, as well as countless friends around the world.
A celebration of life will be held at the United Church of Christ in Norwell, 460 Main Street, Norwell MA on Sunday, November 21 at 2pm. VIMEO LINK HERE.