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BORN
1954
DIED
2012
Kathleen Romano Obituary
She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Mark Romano (a teacher of 32 years) and her stepson Christopher, a lawyer in NY. There are no other children. She is also survived by her aunt, Elizabeth Laprade O'Connell, a lifelong resident of Greenfield.
Kate attended Greenfield HS and Greenfield Community College. Kate was very active in school related clubs and plays. She finished up her education at Keene State College in 1978, where she acquired a BA degree. It was also at Keene that she met her future husband Mark.
She was employed at a number of graphic-related jobs, with her most recent at Fireye in Derry, NH. She held the position of Marketing Director there for 13 years.
Outside of work, Kate enjoy being an aerobics instructor and held a certification with the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. She also worked as a volunteer for Paws of Gold and the Maine Coon Rescue League. Kate was never without a cat!
Kate's bright green eyes were dimmed, but never closed completely, by a brain cancer known as Glioblastoma. She passed away in her Bonita Springs, Fla., home in the arms of her husband. She remains an inspiration to all who knew her. Her love of life and all creatures great and small will be her legacy. Coincidentally, Kathy O'Connell started her journalism career back in the mid-1970's writing obits for the Greenfield Recorder. Other trivia is that both her father and grandfather served on the GPD, with her grandfather (William G.) attaining the rank of captain.
Kate will be cremated at Shikany's Funeral Home. Services will be private.
Donations can be made to: WWW.ABTA.ORG (American Brain Tumor Association)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Romano
Debra Bovat
April 30, 2019
I can't believe it's been seven years! I will never forget being the "stand-in" maid of honor at your wedding!! All the good times we had at the class reunions - I haven't been to one since. I hope you are well Mark, I am glad for the time the two of you were able to have together.
Pete Parker
May 19, 2012
Mark:
I was stunned and deeply saddened to learn of Kate's passing. A lifetime ago I knew her as Kathy; as a generous heart; as a radiant smile; as a blessing in my life. You have my deepest sympathy, Mark. I am so very sorry for your loss. Godspeed.
Diane Clancy
May 12, 2012
Mark, our hearts go out to you. Kate was a great wife, friend, aunt and godmother. We have so many wonderful memories of our special times together. She will never be forgotten.
Baughman Delta
May 11, 2012
Mark, I am so blessed to have known the two of you. I will miss you and Kate.
Delta
Jo Tollis
May 10, 2012
There are many years of memories to share but for now I will keep them to myself with my tears. I know in time we can all sit together and remember those good moments and we can smile. I last saw Katie in January and it was apparent that her health was rapidly declining but in her kindness she asked how I was feeling knowing that I had just lost my own sister at the age of 59. She asked me if she could be my sister now, I told her she already was.
That was the kindness of her heart
Pat Peterson
May 9, 2012
Mark,
I remember when Kate was working with me at Memorial School. She always had a smile on her face!
Take care.
May 9, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mark.
With sincere sympathy,
Luanne Topper
Mark and Linda Sowa
May 8, 2012
Mark, our thoughts and prayers go out to you you at this difficult time. We will always have fond memories of you and Kate showing up at our back door in the middle of a snowstorm on your cross-country skis and Kate's snow-filled eyelashes. Another memory: Kate, the proud winner of our backyard croquet "tourney" and her trophy, a broken croquet mallet.
Aimee Brown
May 7, 2012
Mark & Family,
My father, "Chuck", was Kate's cousin, and her aunt, Stacia, was my grandmother, Monica's sister. I remember Kate from when I was younger, and how she shared her dolls and played with me. I met you several years back at auntie Evelyn's serivces...and the last time I saw the two of you, we ate together at the reception in Millers Falls...my heart and prayers are with you...
May 7, 2012
To my Irish friend, Kate:
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put his arms around you and whispered "come to me."
With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us. He only takes the best.
" An Irish funeral prayer"
Our deepest sympathies.
Love, Colleen and Jay
Karen Obrien
May 7, 2012
Many condolences Mark. I only met Kate once or twice but she was a very sweet person. You both are in my prayers.
May 7, 2012
Dear Mark, I am so sorry for your loss, our loss. Such a wonderful woman, she will be missed by all.
Love,
Your good friend Debbie Kuchieski
Sal Tollis
May 7, 2012
I first met Kate at Mark's celebration for graduating from Keene State. That was 1978. I was so happy that Mark, my closest friend and brother, had found such a beautiful, warm and loving women and I knew from that moment they were perfect for each other. In her battle with her illness she was a true inspiration. The illness and treatments slowed her down and changed her physically, but it could not take away her bright beautiful smile, sparkling eyes and her will to love life, family and friends. Mark, you are the embodiment of love and devotion in how you cared for Kate in these difficult months. Over the years Jo and I had so many good times with you both. We've become family. We miss our loving sister Kate terribly, but through the memory of those times with her, she will live on in our hearts for always.
Sue Rugg
May 5, 2012
Kate's wonderful smile and great laugh will never be forgotten. We plan on having a toast to Kate at Lake Massabesic as soon as the rain stops! Please know that you both continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Sue and Brynn
Faye Squires
May 5, 2012
Dear Mark,
We are so sorry to hear of Kate' s passing. Both of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Faye and Brian
Kate Gaynor
May 5, 2012
I am so very sad this should not have happened to such a kind and loving woman .... you will be missed. God bless you Kathy .
Donna Flanagan
May 4, 2012
I am so sorry. Sweet Kate and you have always been in my heart. Mark, you were the "wind beneath her wings." May your precious memories of Kate help to dry your tears one day soon. God's peace be with you. With love.
May 4, 2012
We couldn't ask for better neighbors. Our woodstove will never be the same with out our friend Kate warming up in front of it. I have many wonderful memories from gardening, walking, visits, Super Bowls, our pets, our spouses..... She'll always be our neighbor across the road ---------------Mary & Bob
Phil Adamo
May 4, 2012
I am so glad I got to see Kate (and you) a few weeks ago before she passed. Even at the end she maintained her dignity and lived without seeking pity or implying she was ever suffering. Jackie and I will always remember Kate as a very warm and caring person. She is in the arms of the Angels, where she deserves no less.
Diane and Joe Stumpo
May 4, 2012
It is difficult to narrow down what I would like to say about my dear friend Kate...I clearly remember the first time I met her... she and Mark invited us over for a spaghetti dinner and a friendship was born. So many incredible memories and fun times followed....from karaoke nights at the 99's..Halloween bon fires and quiet nights by the fireplace in your living room.... In particular, I smile when I remember Kate and I singing Bon Jovi and both of us tossing our curls around and laughing and laughing....glasses of chardonnay and many smiles....trips to the beach....calling the cabana boy (Mark) as we floated around in the pool...shopping trips to TJMaxx (where else?)... I could go on and on.... I will (and do) miss my friend terribly...She was one of a kind and so very special to me. I hope she knew that.
Joe and I can't express our sympathy and sadness nearly enough. Until we meet again my friend~
Love,
Diane and Joe Stumpo
Michael Tirrell
May 4, 2012
Kate shocked everyone at one of our earler class reunions. "Who is that?" Everyone was asking........."Who's the Knockout Gorgeous Girl over there?" I knew everyone there but her.....She was so beautiful inside and out.....a treat to be around.....If you didn't like Kate......You didn't like anybody.........Michael
Pete Legenc
May 4, 2012
We are so sorry to loose our friend .I will always remember CAMPING OUT in the Living Room.Pete and Sue Legenc
Sean and Mari-Ann Sweeney
May 4, 2012
Kate was always a special ray of sunshine in our lives and we will never forget our times with her and Mark. Sean and Mari-Ann Sweeney
Sarah Guyer
May 4, 2012
I miss my dear friend. She is an inspiration to all....a fighter till the end. You were a blessing to her and true till the end. Anyone would be lucky to have the unjudged love you had for each other. My love to you Mark. My angel to watch over us. I love you Kate.
Betzy Ortiz
May 3, 2012
I was deeply saddened by the news about the death of Kate. I am so very sorry. This must be very difficult for you. Please remember that you are in my thoughts and my prayers. Kate was such a kind soul, who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. I will miss her helpful advice. She helped me so much when we were working at Fireye and always with a big smile. I remember that she was always telling me that she couldn't wait to move to Florida. I was so happy when she did! We were always communicating with each other via Facebook. I'm really going to miss her comments. I know how much you will miss Kate, but you can take comfort and strength from the wonderful family and friends you and her had together. I know their love will get you through this difficult time. May God bless you and your family during this time and always. Betzy
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