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To the family of Regina:

My heart and prayers go out to you. I did not know Regina but I have many friends who did and I have heard a lot about her. I'm sorry for the loss you must be feeling. I have heard about Regina's smile and her kind nature. She will always be remembered at Tampa Catholic. Best wishes to your family.

Love,

Elizabeth Poole

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Byrne

My name is Caroline Gonzmart and this is my first year at Tampa Catholic.I transferred here as a sophomore. The reason I tell you this is because I just want you to know how much the lingering presence of your daughter Regina is still alive here at Tampa Catholic. Today was the memorial service and planting of Regina's tree - and there was not one pair of dry eyes or one heart that was not touched by the memory and love of Regina. Just looking at Regina's smiling face in her picture made me suddenly realize why everyone loved this beautiful girl so much. Words cannot express how much I wish I had met Regina ...I think just knowing her and having her present at our school made it a sunnier, happier place.I realize nothing anyone says will ever ease your grief but hopefully the thought and knowledge of the entire student body missing your daughter will give you a small amount of comfort. I also realize that no amount of eloquence, great or small, can disguise the fact that your daughter, sister and friend is gone but please know that Regina will never be forgotten and as long as her memory is alive, Regina's spirit will remain forever.

RIP

Regina Rose Byrne: May the angels hold and cherish you like we did and still do.

Caroline Gonzmart

To Regina's family:

I am so sorry for your loss of Regina She had a smile that lit up the room. She was a talented person. Now she rests in heaven with her smile still shining down but in a different way. Let my prayers be with you and may God continue to bless your family and Regina. She will always be remembered as a caring and loving person.

A Tampa Catholic student

To Mr. and Mrs. Byrne

Our school held a ceremony today Friday, Oct. 22,2004 for Regina. We were in full uniform to respect her. I am very sorry for your loss. It was a very emotional day at school today. The Junior class donated a stone with her name inscribed on it and put it under a tree that was planted today especially for her. It was so hard on everybody but then everybody was happy that we all got to share the moment together and now we know she is with God. I am sorry you couldn't make it out today and I hope that all goes well with you, friends and family.

Anonymous

Dear Mr & Mrs Byrne:

I am sorry for the loss of your daughter. I knew of her through a friend. He was in the same grade as Regina. One day I asked him if he knew a girl named Regina and he said "yes she is the coolest girl I ever met". From that day on when I saw her in the halls her smile brought out her presence. I thought she was very beautiful and wanted to get to know her. Sadly I didn't get the chance to even talk to her. I know she will always be remembered.

To the Byrne family:

My name is Rebecca and I am a sophomore at T.C. I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter Regina last year whom I did not know. I have heard many nice things about her and in some ways I feel like I know her. I too have felt the loss of a loved one as my sister's best friend Morgan died at 18 in a car accident in early August...I believe that both Morgan and Regina are in eternal happiness with God now and are not as far away as they may seem. I know that when Morgan died I found comfort in doing small things as best I could in her memory because I felt that she wouldn't want me to be grieving over her death all the time. I will always miss Morgan but I am comforted by knowing that we will be together again in heaven some day. May God bless your family and may you be comforted by my letter.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Manning

To the family of Regina Byrne:

Although I didn't know you daughter and sister very well, the words and prayers said by other people definitely states that Regina was a magnificent young girl. I'm sure you hate people that say I know how you feel but I honestly do. When my grandmother died it was the most pain and suffering that I've ever felt in my life. Death is horrifying but it is something we all have to go through in our lifetime whether it's a family member, an immediate family member, or a friend. Today (10/22/04) there was a beautiful memorial service for Regina. Everyone cared so much her , even the freshmen and the people that weren't at Tampa Catholic last year. The whole TC community does and continuously prays for Regina and you guys, because we know that prayer and friends are the only two things that can help someone out in a time like this.

Just to let you know that you guys have 700 friends at Tampa Catholic.

May God bless you all!

JJ Butzin (107)

Regina and family:

Regina you were such a beautiful person inside and out. I didn't get to know you but everyone loved you and they still do. You influenced many people through your actions. You will be remembered forever and you and your family will always be in my prayers.

Love,

Sarah

Dear Byrne family:

"One Sweet Day"

" and I know you're shining down

on us from heaven

Like so many friends we've lost

along the way

And I know we'll be together

One Sweet Day"

-From Mariah Carey & Boyz 2Men

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's something that no one can get over. Regina was obviously loved very much by her friends and family because she was a special person inside and out! She will never be forgotten.

Love,

Carry Meehan c/o '07

To the family of Regina:

I just wanted to say that I am truly sorry for your loss. I am not going to say that I completely understand how you feel but I can imagine, I lost my girlfriend last year in a car accident. I know it is hard to get through but she will be remembered by everyone. This song helped me a little, I hope it does the same for you.

"I'm sorry, I heard the bad news today. A crowd of people around you telling you it's okay. But it really just depends on the season. When you lose a part of yourself to someone you know it takes a lot to let go. Every breath that you remember, pictures fade away but memories are forever. An empty chair at all tables. But I'll be seeing you and all my days boil down. Pictures fade away but memories are forever."

I hope that song helps!

Sincerely,

Lance Bell '07

I didn't know Regina very well. I saw her in the hallway and heard about her from friends, etc. but I feel a loss somehow deep inside though I didn't know her very well I know the people who did and I see that they miss her so much.

The game of life is a hard one and sometimes you just don't want to play it any more. There are so many twists and turns but Regina doesn't have to play it any more, she has already won and is in heaven looking out for all of you. We've all suffered a loss but take comfort in knowing that she's okay now and we will never forget her. I wish you God's help through these hard times. God bless.

Best wishes,

Theresa Toyer

Dear Regina's Family:

I can't really express how sorry I am that Regina passed away. I also can't say that I know how you feel because I have never experienced something like this. I never personally knew your daughter but I have heard how awesome she was and what a great smile she had. Her spirit will always live on here at TC and she will definitely never be forgotten. Now she is in heaven with God and we will be reunited with her one day. I hope all your family stays strong and you are all in my prayers. God bless you!

RIP Regina:1988-2003

Always,

Jamie Smith c/o '07

To Regina's family:

I am so sorry for the loss you have suffered. Please know that you are in our prayers. Regina's memory will never be forgotten here at TC. She was a very kind person and now she's in a better place. I will remember you in my prayers.

Respectfully,

Mallory Llewellyn

WHY? Regina WHY?

I guess my question, like everybody else is WHY? Why Regina? Why now? Her whole life was ahead of her! Regina was a wonderful person. She was always smiling and always nice to you. She was truly fun to be around. Regina will be missed by a lot of people. I will never forget the tragic day of December 2, 2003. Regina will always have a special place in my heart.

Sincerely,

Luis Aguila

Dear Parents of Regina:

I would like you to know that last year your daughter made an impact on me. As a freshman on the first day of school

Regina was the first person that talked to me. I'll always remember her for being kind enough to do that. I know she didn't have to do that and it might not seem much to you but it made a difference in my day and look at high school. God bless her and please know everyone in the TC community will remember her.

With all respect and heartfelt feelings,

Scott Beyea

Regina was a sweet and caring person. She will never be forgotten. The whole TC body suffered a great loss but we know that she is in a better place now with God and one day we will all be with her again. The loss of a loved one is the worst suffering but I know that all good hearted people like Regina will be with Jesus in a place without suffering, an unimaginable place called heaven.

Love,

Ashley

Dear Regina:

I still remember you walking down the hall and laughing with everyone. You were the most loving person I have ever met. You were nice to everyone and compassionate. I know you are with God in heaven. I will never forget you and you will never be forgotten. Your presence will always be with us in our hearts.

You will always be remembered,

Greg

Dear Mr & Mrs Byrne:

I am so sorry for your loss. Regina was loved by many and will never be forgotten. She will always be in our hearts. You should know that Regina's memory will live on at TC and that you have a support system here that will always be here to help you. We will miss Regina.

Stay strong,

Kelsey Schweiberger

Alabama,

You were so pretty and had it all. You were one of my first friends, freshmen year. I remember how much you would talk about your horses and how much you loved them. You were such a sweet and loving person. Your smile would cheer everybody up. I remember you walking through the halls with your pony tail and your big smile. It's so hard, you're gone and I can't believe it. We would have so much fun in gym after school. It seemed as though you had fun wherever you were. We all wanted to be like you. You are so happy now and even though it's still very hard for us, we know you are happy. Today brought back so many memories. We will never forget you, Regina! I hope you got our balloons. I love you.

Love,

Erica

Dear Regina's family

I just wanted you to know that you are in my heart. I am sorry for your loss. She will always be remembered. People were talking about stories they shared about her. All of the stories were about how she was funny and that whenever she walked into the room you would know she was there. It made me happy to know that all the memories they brought up were good and happy. I'll pray.

Love,

Hope Batauan c/o '07

Dear Mr & Mrs Byrne,

I wasn't close with Regina but some of my closest friends were! Regina was always smiling, she was so full of life and beauty. I know this is the hardest thing for you all and your family but I encourage you and your family to remember all the amazing times you had with Regina. I will always remember and treasure the times I got to smile at her or say Hi, or even when I saw her. I wish I could have had an opportunity to be close with Regina. She was always the girl laughing at all the jokes just like me! Stay strong, I am sure Regina wants to see you happy and someday meet back up with all of you! You're in my prayers!

Love always,

Stormy Suarez c/o '07

Dear Byrne family:

Your daughter was the nicest person I knew. God had special plans for Regina. Right now she is in the company of God who equals her radiance. She was such a great person. Regina's death brought all of us together and it is amazing to see how many people your daughter touched.The amount of love is astonishing!

Sincerely In Christ,

James Fried

Regina Rose Byrne Memorial Site

June 11, 1988 - December 2, 2003

(click on picture to enlarge)

Photo & Written Memories of Regina