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1930 - 2019
1930 - 2019
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Age 89, of Palm Harbor, FL passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2019. She was born August 25, 1930 in Chicago IL, to the late Axel Charles Bonde and Ruth Anderson Bonde. She was married in 1954 to Frank Lyon Rommel M.D., who predeceased her in 2006, in Lititz, PA. She was predeceased by her sister, Diane Bonde Schauer of Crystal Lake, IL, and two sisters-in-law, Patricia Rommel Shuster, of Everett, PA, and Mary Rommel Pforsich of Mt. Pleasant, SC. Barbara graduated from Amundsen High School in Chicago, she attended Beloit College in Wisconsin for two years, and later completed her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at California State College in California, PA. She completed four years of Doctoral work in early childhood assessment and education at the University of Pittsburgh. She was a grade school Reading and Educational Assessment Advisor and Educator in the Elizabeth Forward School District (PA) for over 20 years. She is survived by five children; F. Michael Rommel M.D., husband of Catherine Thomas Rommel M.D. of Lancaster, PA., Elizabeth Rommel Kopenhaver, wife of James J. Kopenhaver of Hanover, Pa., John C. Rommel, husband of Carla Lange Rommel, of Wilmington, NC, James D. Rommel, husband of Paula Kreuzburg, of Mt. Airy, MD, and H. Susanne Huston, wife of Jeffery R Huston of Sewickley, PA. She has 10 grandchildren; Bethany Rommel M.D., wife of Alex Mazzucca of Shepherdstown, WV, Christopher M. Rommel, husband of Alexandria Starks M.D., of Philadelphia, PA, James S. Rommel, husband of Erika Morgan Rommel of Lancaster, PA Kristin Kopenhaver of Boston, MA, Katherine Kopenhaver Manos, wife of Mark Manos, of West Chester, PA, Jessica Kopenhaver of Philadelphia, PA, John J. Rommel M.D., husband of Ashley Sprouse Rommel of Wilmington, NC, Steven Rommel of Wilmington, NC, Melissa Huston Reese, wife of Matt Reese of Sewickley, PA, Andrea Huston of Sewickley, PA, and one great-grandson; Axel W. Mazzucca, Shepherdstown, WV. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews from the Pforsich, Shuster and Schauer families. A private family service will be held at a later date, at the Shuster family farm in Everett, PA. To send the family a condolence, visit Barbara's memorial page at SnyderFuneralHome.com.
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5 Entries
Dr Issares Surachestpong
September 19, 2020
On the first anniversary of her passing, i wish to say I remember the late host family mom under the American Field Services Program in 1972 fondly for her great contribution to the life improvement and education of a person from different parts of the world.
May best things be with her in whatever form of existence being. I still love, respect and remember so I salute.
Dr Issares Surachestpong (Ian) AFS 1972 - Thailand
The great kindness face of the late Mom Barbara pictured in 1972.
Dr Issares (Ian) Surachestpong
February 3, 2020
Ian (Issares) Surachestpong
January 25, 2020
Dear the US host family - the Rommel brothers and sisters of 1972,
May I send my thoughts, prayers, heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to all of you.
September 17, 2019 was a sad day because of the loss of 'Mom' Barbara, the title I was so proud to have the opportunity to address her. Please allow me to use this term in this message.
Her role as a host family mother in an intercultural exchange program in 1972 as so great that her care and kindness are still treasured in my memories today and forever. She was a lovely and wonderful legend as a host 'Mom' and a teacher!
I was hoping to be able to visit to give thanks in person one day but September 2019 came and she left for heaven. May she rest in eternal peace and may the perpetual light shine upon her. Amazing Grace!
Many sincere thanks for her contribution to the Word's intercultural understanding.
She will always be thought of in Thailand too.
Love and best regards,
Ian Surachestpong, EdD
(AFS Exchange student, 1972-Thailand)
Tammy Geyer
October 6, 2019
My deepest sympathy. Mrs. Rommel was my next door neighbor in Mt Vernon many years ago. May her family and friends find comfort at this difficult times. Sending prayers.
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JKH/JW
September 23, 2019
My sincerest condolences to the Rommel Family for the loss of your loved one, Barbara, and pray you find comfort in Psalms 91:2.
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1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34683
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