Regina McWilliams Hartzell, Crestwood Drive, Bloomsburg, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Monday, April 11, 2011. Born on June 15, 1916, in Danville, she was looking forward to celebrating her 95th birthday.
Regina was the daughter of Arthur McWilliams and Emily Lewis McWilliams, a prominent business family of the 1920's residing in Danville. Regina inherited her fathers' business acumen and was an astute investor in public companies since the 1950's. Those investments formed the foundation for the Regina M Hartzell Scholarship Trusts which were established in her name at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA and Washington & Lee University, Lexington, VA. The scholarships enable young men and women to attend these fine schools without obligation and encourage athletics and scholarship as the cornerstone of life long success.
Regina was the last surviving member of the McWilliams siblings. Preceding her in death were brothers Robert, Paul, Arthur and sister Marian. Surviving are daughter Mary H Seidel, Danville, PA and son Paul F Hartzell Jr, Hailey, ID and grandchildren Brook E. Hartzell, San Jose, CA, Blair A. Hartzell, New York, NY and Dr. Stephanie A. Crawford, Bloomsburg. Her husband, Paul F Hartzell Sr. owner of Hartzell Chevrolet & Cadillac Co., Inc. passed away in 1976.
Regina lived independently and privately at her home in the Crestwood sub division of Bloomsburg from 1950 to 2007. Her most cherished friendships were formed as a member of the Laureate Alpha Epsilon chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, where she held many officer positions for more than 60 years. She had been a guest of Balanced Care Bloomsburg for the last four years and enjoyed various activities with the staff and residents while there. Her legacy of philanthropy will continue for generations at two of America's finest Universities.
A graveside ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at Odd Fellows Cemetery at the McWilliams family plot at 11:00 am. The service will be followed by a reception at The Pine Barn Inn, Danville from 12:00 pm to 2 pm. Family and friends are invited. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions should be made in her memory to Beta Sigma Phi, PO Box 8500 Kansas City, MO 64114.