Regina E. Tinkham

Regina Encapera Tinkham, 65, of Washington, formerly of California, PA, died Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Family Hospice and Palliative Care, Pittsburgh, following a courageous nine-year battle with melanoma cancer. She was born December 18, 1952, in Charleroi, a daughter of the late Richard Encapera and Nancy Sanzeri Encapera. Mrs. Tinkham graduated from California Area High School and California University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science Degree in social science.  She also earned a degree in occupational therapy assistance from Community College of Allegheny County. Mrs. Tinkham worked as a senior citizen coordinator for Washington County Adult Services and as an attendant care worker and case worker, for a total of 11 years; at the Early Learning Institute for one year; and as a therapeutic specialist for two years.  She also enjoyed a long career as an assessment caseworker with SPHS Area Agency on Aging, in Charleroi, where many of her co-workers became close and lasting friends. Mrs. Tinkham was a master at crocheting, creating blankets, animal figures, hats, shawls, and the most imaginative Christmas ornaments for everyone in her family.  She learned to crochet from her mother Nancy, who was a beloved typing teacher at California (PA) Area High School. Mrs. Tinkham was a member of Fourth Presbyterian Church, Washington. On September 1, 2012, she married Robert Leonard Tinkham, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Joseph R. Schumacher (Jeni Emery) of West Brownsville; two stepdaughters, Tracey LaSota (John) of Robinson Township and Lisa Wuycheck of Bethel Park; a brother, P. Richard Encapera (Nicole Roberts) of California, PA; grandchildren, Mya Abigail Schumacher, Etneciv Andres, Zane Andres, Nolan LaSota, Kylie LaSota, Meghan Wuycheck and Amber Wuycheck; nephews, Jesse Encapera (Wendy) of Winchester, Virginia, and Edson Roberts and Trucker Roberts, both of California, PA; nieces, JoAnna Teslovich (Tyler) of Brownsville and Grace Roberts of California, PA; grandnephews, Nicolas Encapera, and Owen, Dominic, Cody and Clayton Teslovich; and a grandniece, Ava Encapera. Friends will be received on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 3rd, with Rev. Robert Miller officiating.  Interment in Washington Cemetery will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5150 Centre Avenue, Suite 1B, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.