Mar 29, 2018

Regina Encapera Tinkham, 65, of Washington, formerly of California, 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, from where she earned 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. She also worked at Early Learning Institute for a 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 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; grandchildren Mya Abigail Schumacher, Etneciv Andres, Zane Andres, Nolan LaSota, Kylie LaSota, Meghan Wuycheck and Amber Wuycheck; nephews Jesse Encapera (Wendy) of Winchester, Va., and Edson Roberts and Trucker Roberts, both of California; nieces JoAnna Teslovich (Tyler) of Brownsville and Grace Roberts of California; great-nephews Nicolas Encapera and Owen, Dominic, Cody and Clayton Teslovich; and great-niece Ava Encapera.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, with the Rev. Robert Miller officiating. Interment will be held privately in Washington Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, 5150 Centre Avenue, Suite 1B, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.

Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.