On December 26, 1998, Regina Atwater, a member of RAVS who was a middle school teacher, animal rights activist, and president of Animal Advocates of Upstate New York, died of injuries sustained a few days earlier when she was struck by a car.

Regina's death has profoundly saddened all who knew her and all who care about the welfare of children and animals. Regina was remembered in a moving tribute at the RAVS meeting on January 17, when candles were lighted in her honor and memory.

Regina, a former nun, was married to John Atwater who shared her love for animals and wildlife. They often retreated to the Adirondacks where they enjoyed photographing and feeding wildlife. Regina taught middle school in Rochester where she was known for teaching kindness to animals. She sometimes treated her students to lunch, requiring only that they order vegetarian food. She regularly visited local schools to speak to children of all ages about animal rights. The day after Regina was struck by a car, a student called Animal Advocates to thank Regina for assisting her in her research paper and speech on the subject of fur.

During what was to be the last month of her life, Regina attended a vegan Thanksgiving dinner at Farm Sanctuary. Her Christmas card featured a photo of her feeding the sanctuary turkeys that day and the message, "May the Joy and Peace of Christmas be Reflected in Our Goodwill Toward All Creatures Always."

Regina will be greatly missed.