Dr. Regina Suzanne Bland

Candler - Regina Suzanne Bland, MD died at age 65 from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) August 8, 2021, at her home in Candler, N.C.

She was preceded in death by her soul mate Conrad Valentino “Val” Wynne, M.D. who died in January of 2020.

Regina leaves two sisters, Alice Wilson and Debra Engholm with husband David; two brothers-in-law, Christopher Wynne with wife Cathy, and James R. Wynne with partner Gloria Carroll; sister-in-law Jeanne Wynne Harrison with husband Steve; several nieces, nephews, and their families; and her extended Italian family. She also leaves friends who became family, including Kay Branson, Marcia Allen, J. Barry Lewis, her Asheville Sunday Supper neighbor group.

She also leaves behind her beloved dogs Stella and Nino in the loving care of their neighbors Dan and Kay Branson.

Regina was a caring pediatrician who loved serving the needs of children. Along with her husband Val, Regina was a physician and partner at Palm Beach Children’s Associates for nearly thirty years. After closing their practice in 2014, they relocated to Candler where they embraced the land and the community. Working the land, planting, growing, harvesting, canning, all became a part of their daily lives, always sharing the harvest from “La Podere.”

Regina loved to travel, exploring the world that surrounded her. She particularly loved all things Italian. Tracing her family heritage, she discovered her Italian Capriotti family. This ultimately led to reclaiming her Italian Citizenship in 2008. Val followed in 2013 also establishing his dual Italian citizenship. She and Val spent hours learning to speak and read the Italian language and visiting Italy whenever possible.

Regina and Val were married in January 1989 on the Island of Charlotte Amalia, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands. They then continued to live in West Palm Beach, Florida until their move to Candler.

Originally from West Virginia, she spent most of her high school years in Ft. Pierce, FL where her parents Brady Floyd Bland and Mildred George Bland retired. She was the youngest of six children.

She attended Wesleyan College, graduating in 1976. Over the years she maintained contact with many friends and colleagues from those college days. Regina continued her studies at the University of Florida College of Medicine completing her medical degree in 1980. It was during her Residency at Wake Forest University that she met Val and began their life-long journey, both personally and professionally. They became a team serving the children of Palm Beach County.

For many years, along with Val, she volunteered her time at the Palm Beach County Home in West Palm Beach. More recently, she became a volunteer with the Asheville Chapter of Arts For Life, working with children, engaging them through educational arts programs.

Regina was a brilliant scholar who guided friends and family daily through the debilitating stages of her disease. She lived life to the very end on her terms, being present and connected to her spiritual journey. She had a curious soul, seeing life as a constant discovery, exploring the natural world, hiking the mountains, and learning to sketch the world in which she loved to walk. With Val at her side, she shared her numerous gifts, caring for children, cooking meals for everyone, sharing her joy of life across tables of food, wine, and laughter.

A woman of passion, a dedicated physician, a loving companion, a generous friend…. She will be missed. .

To honor Regina’s request, no formal services will be held.

Donations in her memory can be made to:

            Arts For Life
            7 Beaverdam Road, Suite 207
            Asheville, NC. 28804

A non-profit organization which supports art opportunities for children in North Carolina in hospital and clinic settings.

Or a charity of your choosing.

We send her onward……..