Betty Romaine

Elizabeth “Betty” Doris (McMann) Romaine, 83, of Walden, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 27, 2022, in Middletown, NY. Her loving daughter, Joan; caring and devoted partner of twenty-eight years, John Martinez; and pastor, the Reverend Doctor Stan Seagren, were by her side.

The only child of the late Charles and Elsie Rossman McMann of 30 Elm Street, Betty graduated from Walden High School in 1957, where she was active in Craft Club, Library Staff, Service Club, Pep Club, Girls’ Chorus, Mixed Chorus, Hi-Y and Student Government Association.  After graduation, she married John Wesley Romaine, Jr., of Wallkill, New York. Members of First Reformed Church of Walden, the couple welcomed three daughters and one son. Although the marriage ended in divorce after 36 years, Betty began a new season of life with loving partner, John Martinez, a relationship that endured for nearly 30 years.  Together they enjoyed being part of a bowling league, choir members of Wallkill Reformed Church, and vacationing in Florida.

Betty cherished being a mother, perhaps more than anything else—it was her heart’s greatest desire. She loved animals, especially cats, and supported several animal welfare charities. She also enjoyed cooking and experimenting with recipes, and trying foods of other cultures. She showered people with love, whether it was through gift-giving, a card or letter, a phone call, a surprise care package, cake, flowers, balloons—Betty shined brightest when she was doing for others. As an employee of Thruway Market in Walden and later ShopRite in Montgomery, she was well known for her cheerful personality and helpfulness.

Betty is survived by her four children: Debra Jean Romaine Blankley (Franklin) of Largo, FL; Patricia Ann Romaine Myers (Daniel) of Wallkill, NY; James Robert Romaine (Renee) of Catskill, NY; and Joan Charlene Romaine (fiancé Kumar Machado) of Derwood, MD; three grandchildren: grandson USMC Captain Garrett Wesley Myers (Kerri) of Sneads Ferry, NC, granddaughter Cassondre Mae Myers Munier (Justin) of Pine Island, NY, grandson Ryan James Romaine of Catskill, NY; five great-grandchildren: Isabella Grace Myers, Wesley Levi Myers, Ezekiel Robert Myers, Clayton Daniel Myers, and Evangeline Mae Munier; and extended family including cousins, a nephew, four nieces, and families and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents Charles and Elsie Rossman McMann, and her former husband John Wesley Romaine Jr.

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of the intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the beauty in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has breathed easier because you lived here, This is to have succeeded.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Betty succeeded.  May she rest in peace and may her memory be a blessing to you.

Visitation will be Friday, April 1, 2022, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm, at Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St., Walden, NY 12586. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Bruynswick Rural Cemetery, Wallkill, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Betty Romaine to the Humane Society of Walden, 2489 Albany Post Road, Walden, New York 12586, phone (845) 778-5115. https://waldenhumane.org/. 

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