Bakota, Regina (Gina) of Merrick passed away peacefully from breast cancer on May 13th at age 53. Loving daughter of Regina and Joseph Bakota. Cherished sister of Teresa Yatsko, Suzanne Guerrucci (Ron) and Karen Bakota (David). Beloved aunt of Emily, Jacob, Abbey, Jessica, Julia, Alex, and Ethan. Beloved partner of Greg Dernbach. Beloved by Aunt Libby (Larry) and of many cousins.

She graduated from Molloy University School of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She worked at St. Francis Hospital Heart Center in ACU cardiac care for over 25 years and excelled in her nursing care. She volunteered for many years at Breast Cancer Fundraisers. Her positive and hopeful attitude toward life was extraordinary.

Gina was known for her beautiful smile, her great devotion to her many friends, and loving acceptance of all people. She was an avid kayaker, hiker, and lover of the great outdoors. She will be greatly missed and remembered for her great fighting courage until she passed into her Savior's arms. Family and friends may visit N.F. Walker Funeral Home at 2039 Merrick Avenue in Merrick on Thursday May 18th between 2-8 pm. Funeral Mass will be Friday, May 19th at 11 am at Cure' of Ars R. C. Church in Merrick. Interment to follow at the Queen of Peace cemetery in Old Westbury, NY.