Mary "Ellen" Ernestine Romine

Mary Romine passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Oakmont of Simi Valley memory care facility. She was 93 years old.

Mary was born in San Francisco, California and grew up in Eagle Rock, California. All through her school years she was under the impression her first name was Ellen, so most of the people in her life knew her that way. She was quite surprised when, after requesting her birth certificate, she discovered her first name was actually Mary.

Mary graduated from St. Andrews Catholic High School for Girls in 1948. After a brief stint as a bookkeeper, she joined the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), where she fulfilled her dream of traveling the world. She served in Texas, Virginia, and Okinawa (She once flew to Japan (C-47) with a group of women to play softball against a Japanese team and really enjoyed that).

After leaving the WACs, she met and married Herman Romine. They settled in La Crescenta, California and raised five children as well as caring for other children of friends and family. Once her own children were grown, Mary became a Teacher’s aide for the Special Education class at Dunsmore Elementary School. She enjoyed this work for 10 years before retiring. Herman and Mary were married 41 years before divorce sent them on their separate ways. Mary moved to Simi Valley in 1997 to be close to her son and grandchildren. She lived a fun and carefree life in Simi hosting her many family members and friends at her townhouse, from Oscar parties to the epic Family Christmas celebration. Mary was also an avid bowler and slot machine player.

Mary is preceded in death by her son Robert William, who passed away in 2019. She is survived by her other children, daughter Patricia and son-in-law Chris Fraas, daughter Cheryl, son James and grandchildren Trevor and Hailey. She is also survived by her sisters, Alice Turner and Sister Christina Lee and estranged daughter, Kate Romine.

Mary was loved by so many, and she has surely earned her place in heaven. We will remember her fondly as Mom, Auntie Ellen, Nana, and Mrs. Mary.