Saratoga Springs, NY - Chief mischief-maker, stunning beauty and all-around bad- ass, Regina Marie McAllister-Gemmett, passed away on Wednesday April 20th, 2022, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. She passed in the loving arms of her family, who loved her fiercely and will miss her so very much.

"Bena", the last baby born to Brian and Judy McAllister, graced the world with her gorgeous presence on January 16th, 1976, and her family fell in love with that tiny, black haired, blue-eyed beauty. As a wee one, (and yes, even into adulthood) Bena kept all of us on our toes and sometimes on the edge of our seats, because we never knew what crazy, funny, stunt she would pull next. Where little Bena-boo was concerned, there was always a high probability of shenanigans.

She was an excellent cook with her specialty being "Spaghetti Con Alici", whose recipe she still stubbornly refused to share, right up to the very end, that little stinker! She was an accomplished skier and as fearless and daring on the slopes, as she was in life. She was an avid animal lover and brought home many stray cats (and sometimes people, much to the chagrin of her parents) from the time she was little. This continued into adulthood, as she and her husband Gregory took in countless rescue animals over the years and gave them a loving home. She met the love of her life, Gregory Gemmett, in 1999 and married him in 2000, inheriting three terrific boys whom she loved. It was the happiest time of her life.

Those left to cherish her memory are her biggest supporter, and the one who loves her best, her mom, Judy; her devoted husband Gregg, and their 3 loving sons, Jonathan, Gabe, and Robert Gemmett, and their families. Half siblings, Beth-Ann, Erin, and Holly; her sister, Melissa (Michael) who really, really wanted that pasta recipe and also for Bena to finally admit that Mis was the better cook and who also loved little Beanie for her excellent secret-keeping skills; her brother, Brian, who will miss aggravating her until she either tattled on him, or Jimmy Superfly Snuka'd his ass into oblivion; her sister-in-law, Victoria, who will miss sharing "the look" and eye rolls with her at the annoyingness of other people; her nieces and nephew; Alexas, who was her first baby and partner in tomfoolery, antics and her accomplice in "the great ice cream heist" of '22; Alexander, her late night philosophical sparring partner and her biggest fan who always believed in her; Aleigha, her total twinny in looks, sense of humor and sassy-pantsness; and Madalyn, her fellow connoisseur of candy, fashion, sneakers, money and trinkets, which Aunt Bena plied her with, regularly; her very special Aunt and Uncle, Patricia Lambert (Alan Mason) and Alphonse Lambert (Joanne) who helped give Bena the most loving send-off ever, and many, many cousins and friends that she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her dad, Brian McAllister, and the many animals she rescued, including her most special fur babies, Kida and Alaska.

Regina will be remembered for her sharp wit, her feisty demeanor, her kind heart and her incredible sense of humor.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to an animal rescue organization of your choice.

Service will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.