Regina Engelhardt, whose teen years in Nazi work camps shaped outlook that focused on beauty, dies
Regina Engelhardt spent her teenage years in Nazi work camps during World War II, and after the war survived the Soviet occupation. She was witness to all of the depravities of that time and place in history.
It didn't destroy her spirit. She used her experiences to shape a personal outlook that focused on the beauty of the world rather than the horrors she live through as a child.
"Her mission in life was to bring into focus the love, harmony and the feeling of caring that exists in nature and in all of us," said her daughter, Dr. Elizabeth Twardon, a former Detroit News reporter. "That vision was reflected in her prolific art work, where she captured all the 'crooked lines' and 'perfection in the imperfections.'"
Ms. Engelhardt died of heart disease at her Detroit home on Jan. 25, 2024, on her 69th anniversary of becoming a United States citizen. She was 95.
Born in Kiwerce, Poland, she immigrated to Detroit from a German refugee camp and found work first as a nanny and then behind the meat counter at Kowalski's Sausage Co. Later she worked as a draftsman.
An accomplished singer and actress, Ms. Engelhard joined Detroit's Variety Theater, playing roles in musicals, dramas and comedies. She also was active in the International Institute, befriending visitors to Detroit from all over the world.
In 1960, she became a cosmetologist, and her customers found in her not just a beautician, but also a counselor and friend.
At age 51, she became a multi-media artist, fulfilling a lifelong ambition. She studied under the renowned Sister Mary Ignatius at the Mercy Center studio in Farmington Hills and at Detroit's Scarab Club studios. Within two years, she had created 70 artworks, and held her first one-woman show in 1982.
In 1987, she was a finalist in the National Audubon Society competition. She won the People's Choice Awards gold and silver medals at the International Arts Competition in Las Vegas in 1987, 1988 and 1990. She won the Michigan State Wildflower competition, and took her paintings of flowers on a statewide tour. She was featured on several television programs and highlighted in newspapers and various magazines.
Her paintings now hang in private collections worldwide. Her portrait of Princess Diana, titled, "I Care," is part of the permanent collection of the Althorp in England. Her artwork also appears in the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.
And her sculpture of the white eagle that is Poland's national emblem is on display at the American Polish Cultural Center in Sterling Heights.
She considered her three daughters her most precious creations, immersing them in music, dance and art lessons and encouraging them to travel the world to gain a knowledge of other cultures.
Ms. Engelhardt published her memoir at age 88 titled, "That's Not A Scar; That's A Beauty Mark," to share lessons learned and spare others her "mistakes." She also was sought after as an inspirational speaker by corporate sponsors and civic organizations.
Along with Elizabeth Twardon, Regina Engelhardt is survived by daughters Miriam Twardon-Bielski and Renee Gilchrist; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Services will be held from 10-11 a.m. March 16 at Gesu Catholic Church, 17180 Oak Drive, Detroit. A funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. at the church. Inurnment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit.
Verheyden Funeral Home is handling arrangements.