Sister Regina ND 6377 PDF Download
(formerly Sister Mary Glenda)
Regina Ann DAVALA
Immaculate Conception Province, USA
Date and Place of Birth: August 11, 1947 Canton, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession: August 16, 1967 Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Death: May 12, 2025 Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial: May 23, 2025 Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon
“In God, I live and move and have my being.”
Shortly after her birth, Regina and her parents, Nicholas and Regina (Ferrell) Davala, moved to Massillon, Ohio where they made their home and the family grew. Being the oldest of nine children, Regina learned to help her mother manage the household and care for her siblings. She treasured her childhood years—filled with much love and laughter in the family and neighborhood. Activities at St. Mary Parish and School and the strong faith of her parents shaped the family’s spiritual life. Regina loved school; as a first grader she decided to become a Sister, just like her teacher. After her second year at Central Catholic High in Canton, with the support of her parents, Regina transferred to Notre Dame Academy as an Aspirant. She became a postulant on February 2, 1965 and at investment received the name Sister Mary Glenda.
Sister Regina earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio, and a master’s degree in reading and language arts from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She ministered as an elementary school teacher and principal for twenty years. Teaching seemed to come naturally to her; religion classes were prepared with special care. Her compassionate heart and welcoming spirit made a difference in the lives of those she touched. In 1988 Sister Regina, Sisters Grace Mary Corbett and Mary Virginia Reesing, principals of three struggling urban schools, collaborated to merge the schools. They embraced the challenge to strengthen Catholic education in the Cleveland area and make more programs available for the children and their families. Their vision became Metro Catholic Parish School, a recipient of the National School of Excellence Award. In 1995 John Carroll University awarded the three Sisters, along with Sr. Ann Marie Winchester, principal of Metro Catholic Parish School, a Doctor of Divinity degree, honoris causa.
During those planning years, Sister experienced some health concerns and took time to discern a new ministry. She earned a master’s degree in counseling and enjoyed working at the Catholic Counseling Service. From 1993-99 Sister served on the province leadership team as regional superior for sisters in Cleveland, Lorain County, Florida and North Carolina. She considered it a privilege to listen to the sisters share their stories, spiritual journeys, joys and challenges.
For the past twenty-five years, Sister Regina was privileged to participate in a new venture, ministry with SND Associates as an administrative assistant and as co-director. Sister noted, “Walking with the Associates as they look for a deeper relationship with God is a wonderful blessing in my own life.”
Over the years, Sister Regina faced health issues with courage and a quiet peacefulness. She went home to God in quiet and peace, very unexpectedly, from what appears to have been sudden cardiac arrest.
We are grateful for the gift of Sister’s life. She was a woman of prayer who cherished her family and many friends. Her gentle manner, love and respect for all reflected the presence of our good God.
May Sister Regina rest in peace.
by Dreamhost