NEWPORT NEWS – Regina (“Jeanie”) Holzsweig Weinstock, 99, passed away on April 2.
Born in Portsmouth, Va., to Philip and Fannie Holzsweig, Jeanie moved to Newport News as an infant. She grew up in Newport News, and although she lived many other places, Newport News was always considered home.
In 1942, Regina met Bernie Weinstock, and they married in 1944 after he returned from serving overseas in World War II. Bernie remained in the U.S. Air Force, and they enjoyed a life together at numerous military posts. Bernie retired from the Air Force in 1964, and they moved “home” to Newport News, where Regina launched her own career – she was an assistant manager at LaVogue, an upscale women’s clothing store, before the opening of a new store in Hidenwood where Jeanie was the manager.
She was recognized by numerous local business organizations for her achievements, particularly mentoring young employees.
Regina and Bernie enjoyed traveling, and she decided she wanted to work in the travel industry. Her attempts to find a job were unsuccessful, since all the travel agencies wanted experienced agents. Jan and Bob Kosker, at Tri-Global Travel, were so impressed with her offer to work for free to learn the industry that they instead hired her to do administrative work while they mentored and trained her. Through hard work and study, she soon became a certified travel consultant and began a long and successful career with Tri-Global, and later Warwick Travel, where she became one of the owners of the agency.
Her new career allowed her to travel extensively around the world, and she went on so many cruises she lost count. Many of the trips were with Bernie, her children, or other family members, who were amazed when the staff or presidents of the companies remembered her from previous trips. One of her greatest joys was helping friends and clients plan dream vacations.
Regina was a life member of the Council of Jewish Women and Hadassah, and a member of Rodef Sholom Temple for over 60 years.
She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Weinstock (Donna Del Sordo) and Phyllis Weinstock, her son, Harry Weinstock (Cindy), granddaughter, Leah Weinstock and sister-in-law, Lorraine Holzsweig, as well as many devoted nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Major (ret.) Bernard Weinstock, sister, Irene Ruben, brother, Buddy Holzsweig, and beloved granddaughter, Britlyn Weinstock.
A graveside service was held at the Rosenbaum Cemetery. Donations to the Britlyn Weinstock Community Music Fund (c/o Beth Ahabah, 1121 W. Franklin St., Richmond 23220), which was created in memory of Regina’s granddaughter, or a charity of the donor’s choosing. Weymouth Funeral Home