Obituary: Prudence ‘Prue’ Sanford Regan

OCEAN RIDGE — Prudence “Prue” Sanford Regan, beloved wife of the late John M. “Jack” Regan Jr., and matriarch of the Regan family that grew to include six children, nine 8087904063?profile=RESIZE_180x180grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, died peacefully at her home in Westerly, Rhode Island, on Sept. 11. She was 97.
Raised in Cranford, New Jersey, Mrs. Regan was the daughter of Harold Crooker and Prudence Rindell Sanford and sister to the late Jane S. Ziegler. The two sisters grew up as best friends; their parents placed them in the same class at the Kent Place School in Summit, New Jersey, so that they could experience high school together.
A few years after graduating from Bradford Junior College, Prue met Jack Regan on a blind date in January 1949. They soon married and began a 62-year magic carpet ride together that took them to places at home and abroad and exposed them to experiences they scarcely imagined when first they met.
As the family expanded and moved to Morristown, New Jersey, Wellesley, Massachusetts, Bedford, New York, and Manhattan in support of Jack’s flourishing career, Mrs. Regan provided the unifying force at home. She juggled with ease and grace the duties of spouse and mother. She thrived in her role as the guiding light for the family. Mrs. Regan shepherded her six children gently through life while providing a wonderful example in how to select the right life partner and build a strong marriage.
She was consistently warm, engaging, gracious and elegant.
Mrs. Regan delighted in painting and working in her gardens at her homes up North and in Ocean Ridge.
She was an award-winning member of the Bedford Garden Club and the Garden Club of America. In 1984 and 1985, she served as gala chair of the Friends of the Inner-City Scholarship Fund, a foundation that supports students in the schools of the Archdiocese of New York City. She was particularly proud that art, education and philanthropy have played a central role in all of her children’s lives.
The Misquamicut Club, the Watch Hill Yacht Club, the River Club, the Gulf Stream Golf Club, the Ocean Club and the Bedford Golf and Tennis Club provided her with years of enjoyment.
Mrs. Regan is survived by her children — John M. “Mac” Regan III (Tracy) of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, Deborah R. Edwards (Douglas) of Hartsdale, New York, Peter M. Regan (Aviva) of Cooperstown, New York, R. Christopher Regan (Leslie) of Katonah, New York, Prudence R. “Rindy” Hallarman (Peter) of Lincolnshire, Illinois, and William M. Regan of New York City; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack (2011), and her grandson Parker M. Regan (2012).
The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the nursing teams from St. Elizabeth at Home and Hope Health and to Grace Brown, Mrs. Regan’s home manager, all of whom cared for her in a devoted, loving manner for several years.
A private funeral service will be held by the family. A celebration of Prue’s life is planned for July in Watch Hill. For online condolences visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com. The family requests any donations be made to the Inner-City Scholarship Fund, 1011 First Ave. #1400, New York, NY 10022-4112, in memory of Prue and Jack.
— Obituary submitted by the family

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