Regina T. Pasternak

Regina T. Pasternak, 70, of Spotswood, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025 surrounded by an abundance of love and family.

Born and raised in Jersey City, she lived in Bayonne, Somerville, East Brunswick and Milltown before settling in Spotswood in 2004. For many years, Regina enjoyed working part-time at Monroe Park Pharmacy, greeting customers and always helping them out.

Regina lived life on her own terms — with warmth, humor, and a suitcase always packed for the next cruise (and probably a few snacks she swore were “emergency rations”). She adored penguins — and had a knack for finding treasures while antiquing or scouring yard sales with her brother David, often convincing him that he had to have that piece of pottery.

She could turn any ordinary day into an adventure, whether it was sharing outrageous stories, laughing until her cheeks hurt, or hunting down the perfect vintage gem that no one else noticed. Regina’s smile, quick wit, and big heart made life brighter, funnier, and just a little more chaotic for everyone lucky enough to know her.

Predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Mary Buchsbaum, she leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter Leah Bolton and her  husband, Steven; her brother, David Buchsbaum; her niece, Jennifer Kennedy; her grand cats Merlin, Chuck Norris and Gremma Lynn, and; countless friends and family who will forever remember her for her warmth, humor, and fearless embrace of life.

In true Regina style, guests are asked to wear their favorite pair of jeans to her Celebration of Life — honoring her legacy of comfort and being a true hippy at heart.

Regina’s life will be celebrated exactly as she lived it — with laughter, love, outrageous stories, and just the right amount of harmless chaos, on Tuesday, November 4th, beginning at 10:00 AM at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel, 475 Main Street, Spotswood.

Following her celebration, the family will sit shiva at her daughter and son-in-law’s home on Tuesday and Wednesday from 4pm - 8pm, with a lemon drop martini in hand, toasting Regina’s life the way she would have wanted: fun, slightly mischievous, and never without a little sparkle!

In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging donations honoring Regina’s life be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.