Regina C. Tumidajewicz Amsterdam - Regina C. Tumidajewicz, R.N., 97, of Amsterdam, passed away Tuesday April 23, 2024 at her home.
Born on December 30th, 1926 a daughter of Vincent M. and Katherine Kosiba Jendrzejczak.
Regina's education included Wilbur H. Lynch High School 1944, St. Mary's Nursing School 1947 and Russell Sage College (B.S. in Nursing) in 1970. Regina served her community for over 40 years as a registered nurse, then later as a cashier at Stewart's and O.T. B. She was active in charity work for a number of local organizations including the American Cancer Society and the Cub Scouts.
Regina distinguished herself as a pioneer in the sport of women's distance running 40 years ago. This, in part, lead to the female running boom of today, as many women have acknowledged her as their inspiration. She was well respected on the local racing scene as well as on the national level.
She was a familiar Amsterdam running figure. When meeting residents of Amsterdam, they gave her recognition and praise for her running ability.
Starting to run at the age of 54, Regina competed in 836 road races winning her age group in a majority of them. She never dropped out of any race and finished most "under the standard". Thus placing her in the top ten percent of her age group. All runners had great respect for Regina who was always a front runner, at the start of any race that she ran. She always gave others an encouraging word and was willing to share her vast running knowledge with them. After winning the women's division overnight, at the age of 63, in the hilly Minerva Hill 5 Mile Road Race and was known as the "Iron Woman of Minerva Hill."
In her career, she would compete in 52 marathons (26.2 miles). These included 7 world renowned Boston Marathons, completing the last as the oldest of
all runners, at 83 years of age in 2010. She won her age group at the Vermont City Marathon 6 consecutive times after turning 70 and is still the Vermont Sate Record Holder in the 75 plus category. Tumidajewicz has run and placed in marathons in Boston, New York City, Chicago, London, Hawaii, Montreal, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Jersey, Vermont and Albany, NY.
At New York's Empire State Games she won a total of 14 gold medals. She would compete in and almost always garner top honors in the local Adirondack USATF distance races. In 2007, her 5000 meter victory on track, was the top outdoor United States performance for females 80-84, according to USA Track and Field.
Regina had set more records in more age groups, than any other local runner in area races and many of these still stand today, These include the prestigious Utica Boliermaker and the Stockade-athon. She was a two time national champion in the United States Track and Field National 5 K(3.1 mile) Cross Country Championships held in Saratoga Springs, NY, She was also a two time national champion at the 30K (18.6 mile) distance.
Regina received national recognition for her running efforts in 2005 and 2009 from Running Time's magazine in the 75-79 and 80-84 age group. as one of the top Women's Masters of the year. Also, she has received a lifetime achievement award from various clubs in recognition of all her efforts including the prestigious and coveted awards. These include the Bill Shrader Sr. Memorial Award (Adirondack Club). Fred LePann just one Hill Award (Adirondack Club). Club Senior of the year (Battenkill Valley Runners). Jane Grigull award (Onteora Runners Club). and Fulmont Runners Awards for Racing Achievements and Promotion of Running by Personal Example. Also, special citations from the Mayor's Office and the American Legion. Regina was a lifetime member of the 65 plus Runners Club and was given a lifetime to the Battenkill Road Runners. She was a member of the exclusive New York City Marathon 15 Club for competing and completing 15 New York City Marathons.
Regina was recognized for all her running efforts in the August 13th, 2013 edition of "Ripley's Believe It or Not" Cartoon. Regina's lifelong devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus remained strong. She was Lector and Eucharistic Minister.
She enjoyed sewing and baking when she wasn't running.
Regina is survived by her beloved son, Chester Tumidajewicz. She was predeceased by her brothers, Vincent Jendrzejczak and Richard S. Jendrzejczak. It was Regina's request that there be no viewing hours held. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday April 26,2024 at 9:00 AM at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, 50-52 Cornell St., Amsterdam with The Very Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis as celebrant. Interment is private in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Donations may be made in Regina's memory to St. Stanislaus Church or to the Amsterdam Free Public Library. Arrangements are by her nephew, George E. Jendrzejczak, Marty Hughes and Peter J. Rose of the Rose & Hughes Funeral Home, 200 Church St., Amsterdam, NY 12010. Please visit the online memorial at www.roseandhughesfh.com.
