Paulette M "Paula" Romano

Paulette "Paula" Romano, a woman of creativity, quick wit, and undeniable flair, passed away on August 23, 2025, surrounded by her family, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and a deep appreciation for life. She was a vibrant spirit who could never resist a good jazz tune, a challenging board game, or the thrill of exploring new corners of the world with her friend, Ray Sinclair. Her presence brought warmth to every room, often accompanied by the sound of laughter, or a perfectly crafted single, extra hot, two raw sugar, unstirred latte. Paula was born on October 23, 1946, and grew up in the Seattle area. After graduating high school in 1963, she attended business school and entered the workforce in 1965. Paula brought her energy and dedication to a remarkable insurance career that spanned nearly 50 years. As both an underwriter and an agent, she was known as a trusted colleague, a steady mentor, and someone who always approached her work with professionalism, insight, and a deep care for people. Her coworkers remember her not only for her expertise but for her humor, her integrity, and her gift for turning even a long day at the office into something brighter. Whether it was exploring local trails on a hike, lacing up her bowling shoes for a night at the lanes, Paula approached life with energy and enthusiasm. She embraced every opportunity for fun and connection, always inviting others along for the adventure. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Russell and Myrtle DeArment (née Peterson), her devoted husband Vincent (Frankie) Romano, and her sister Rhoda Salois. Their memories remained close to her heart throughout her life. She is survived by her children Francie Winkle, Angie Nokes (and husband David), and Antonio Romano; her adored grandchildren: Zachary Winkle (and wife Ariel), Jacob Winkle, Samantha Nokes, DJ Nokes (and wife Kennedy), Isaac Nokes, and Logan Romano. Paula took special delight in her great-grandchildren-Kai Winkle, Samwise Winkle, and Mira Winkle-who brought a new generation of joy into her life. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters Diane Nelson, Rebecca Lopes, and Giselle McFarlane, whose lifelong bond with Paula was a source of strength and joy. Her life was a celebration of the creative, the active, and the deeply personal. From jazz rhythms to scenic trails, from bowling strikes to the elaborate Halloween costumes, she found beauty in every experience. Whether she was challenging someone to a game night or dazzling her grandkids with another hand-crafted holiday meal, she embraced each moment with enthusiasm and an open heart. Her legacy lives on in the laughter of her family, the rhythm of a favorite song, the camaraderie of a workplace well-served, and every perfectly ordered latte shared in her memory. She will be deeply missed-and fondly remembered A Celebration of Life is being planned in the coming months and details will be shared once they are available.