Taught Spanish in Global Child program at HES, devoted to family and friends
Regina Baker. (Courtesy photo)
The world was especially blessed on May 19, 1966, with the birth of Regina Michelle Baker, who died Nov. 22, 2023.
Her father, Wesley Baker, and mother, Betty Haddad Baker, welcomed her to their El Paso, Texas home. They later welcomed her brother, John Baker, to their family. She identified with her Texan heritage and retained close ties to her parents’ Syrian and Irish ancestry as well as her extended family in Texas and New York.
It was in 1976, after her family moved to Harvard, that she fell in love with the town. She enjoyed the pond, the wall next to the General Store, where she bought candy, and walking to Holy Hill. She is remembered for painting barrettes to sell at the Apple Blossom Festival. She graduated from Bromfield as part of the Class of 1984. Following her passion for helping others, especially children, she earned a teaching degree at Fitchburg State.
Regina touched many in Harvard while working as a housecleaner, pet sitter, party planner, chauffeur, and caregiver, among many other jobs. She had an incredible ability to juggle her schedule to accommodate the needs of others. She also shared her passion for music by teaching piano to local young budding artists. Combining her love of culture and communication, Regina taught Spanish in the Global Child program at the Hildreth Elementary School for several years.
Regina married fellow Bromfield graduate Brian Pomeranz in 1995. She treasured being a stepmom to Heather Godwin, then welcomed into the world the love of her life, daughter Brianna Jean Pomeranz, in 1998. Desiring to be completely present for Brianna, she entered and remained in sobriety starting on Brianna’s fifth birthday. It was 236 full moons ago that Regina began a romance with her precious soulmate and future husband, fellow Bromfield graduate James (Mergler) Porter. With all this love in her life she freely offered it in return to all she met.
Regina, Gina, Gigi, Mom, Ms. Baker, Mrs. Pomeranz, and Mrs. Porter are the names for the person whom many will remember. She was an incredibly caring and nurturing friend, wife, and mother. She had the purest heart, but the body carrying her soul was causing her a lot of pain. Now that her soul has been released of that pain she can fly freely, and love everyone with ease.
Her family and those who were blessed with her pure love and kindness will forever have a part of her with them to share with others. Regina’s life will be celebrated at a Zoom meeting on Dec 16. Further memorials will be announced at remembering-regina.com. Another way to honor her is to be receptive to, and be giving of, love as Regina was.
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