San Benito County native Regina Pera passed away Sunday, September 5, 2010, after a courageous two year battle with leukemia.
Gina was the daughter of Italian immigrant parents, Bondiara and Lucia (Costa) Damien and grew up with her only sister Rose on their Shore Road ranch. Gina married Bob Pera on December 12, 1942, and together they traveled to Texas and Colorado while Bob served in the U. S. Army with the 10th Mountain Division.
Gina and Bob made their home on the Damien Ranch on Shore Road where she grew up and where they raised their son Michael.
Gina’s coffee pot was always on, home baked goods were in the oven and the door was always open for visitors at her home. Gina was an avid knitter and crocheter, making many sweaters and afghans for family and friends. She also canned jams, jellies, fruits and vegetables with great passion.
Regina is survived by her only son Michael Pera and his wife Marie of Hollister, her granddaughter Robin Pera of San Jose, and grandson Bob Pera and wife Helayna of Placerville, CA. Also surviving are her sister Rose Babcock and nephew Brian Babcock and his wife Nikki of Gainsville, Georgia and their family. Nieces and nephews of Hollister surviving are Margaret Miranda, Donald Giachello, Emma Smith and Gladys Smith along with many great, great-great and great-great-great nieces and nephews.
Donations are preferred to the Department of Fish & Game, CalTIP K-9 Fund, P. O. Box 3119, Carmichael, CA 95609 or to the Hollister FFA Chapter, c/o Kelly Bianchi, Advisor, 1220 Monterey Street, Hollister, CA 95023.
Private cremation and burial will take place with immediate family and a memorial gathering will be held at a later date.
