Regina Anne (Robbins) Flynn

Regina Anne Robbins Flynn passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on June 14th, 2026. A lifelong learner, passionate storyteller, dedicated educator, and tireless community servant, Regina lived with curiosity, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to connecting with others - whether through her writing, teaching, travel, or public service.

Regina was born in New York, New York on September 3rd, 1951. She was the eldest child and only daughter of John Joseph Robbins and Elizabeth Veronica Robbins (McMahon). The experience of being an older sister to her brothers Dennis Robbins, Christopher Robbins, and Richard Robbins deeply shaped her life. Growing up in New Jersey, her brothers brought excitement to her childhood and tales of their adventures were some of her favorite to tell.

She earned her BA in English from Nazarene College in Rochester, New York. Her junior year abroad in Canterbury, England, proved pivotal, igniting a lifelong passion for exploring other countries, cultures, and perspectives. This experience shaped her deeply and remained a touchstone. Early in her career, Regina worked at Boston University and the American Health Foundation in Washington, DC. She completed a MA in English at Salem State University and a MFA in Fine Writing at Norwich University in Vermont.

She married Jerold Martin Flynn and settled in Salem, Massachusetts, where they raised their family. Regina loved Salem – from the picturesque harbor to the people that lived there. Her commitment to service led her to serve as Ward 2 City Councilor, where she worked tirelessly to improve and maintain the city for her constituents for nine years.

At the heart of her professional life was her long and influential tenure at Salem State University. She was the Coordinator of the Professional Writing Program, and a Professor where she taught professional writing, creative nonfiction, and her favorite - travel writing. She took students abroad on spring break trips for years, opening their eyes to the world to places such as Madrid and Paris. She founded Red Skies Magazine, mentored countless students with genuine care for both their academic growth and personal well-being, and left a lasting impression through her enthusiasm for storytelling and exploration. She published numerous articles, including in The Boston Globe, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and The Salem News.

From cousins, to college friends, to colleagues, to Salem friends and many others, Regina had many close relationships that were deeply meaningful. Regina engaged with her friends through book clubs, poetry groups, the Bees, traveling, beach outings, and trips. An avid traveler, Regina made three cross-country Amtrak trips from Boston to the West Coast. In her later years, she enjoyed long stays in mainland Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira. She cherished hikes along the Camino de Santiago with her longtime partner by her side, Paul T. Burlin, of Yarmouth, Maine.

She was, above all, a proud and loving mother. She adored her children and instilled in them a spirit of exploration, and active curiosity. She is survived by her daughters Margaret Colleen Flynn and Katharine Anne Flynn, with her husband David Richey. Regina now joins her son John Patrick Flynn who preceded her in passing.

A Mass will be held at 10am on Saturday June 20th, at Immaculate Conception Church, 15 Hawthorne Boulevard, Salem. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society.