Obituary of Patricia W. Roman

Patricia W. Roman, a resident of Rome, NY, age 87 years, died on May 28, 2012. She lived a full life and her passing should only considered a completion of the grand circle, as God intended. Pat was born on February 16, 1925, in New Hartford, NY, to Rex G. and Lenora Schiffer Witherbee. She was the youngest of 3 daughters. As a young girl, she fondly remembered riding the trolley, roller skating to the local theatres, and of course tormenting her older sisters. Her father who was a WWI veteran, used to take her to the parkway armory to ride the horses. Patricia was married to the late Stanley D. Roman in 1946, and helped operate the business end of the former Stanwix Heights Dairy in Rome for many years. She is survived by her children: Rex P. Roman of Rome, NY; Richard J. Roman of Rome, NY; Martha G. Roman and Robert Story, of Syracuse, NY; Roger W. and Christine Roman, of Baldwinsville, NY. Grandchildren include: Ryan and Kelsey Roman, Tobias and Jamie Hogarth, Timothy Hogarth, Brian and Mary Roman, Marion Roman, Jason Rich and three Great grandchildren, including Cameron Thompson. Patricia was educated in New Hartford, NY and joined the US Navy Cadet Nursing Program in 1943, to help the war effort. She was graduated as an Ensign JG, in 1946 from Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY and was licensed as a Registered Nurse. She worked in naval hospitals until she was discharged from the Naval Medical Program, in late 1946. Patricia worked for many years as a Registered Nurse, until retirement. She pioneered in one of the area's first intensive care units; eventually as evening hospital supervisor, at the Rome Murphy Memorial Hospital. Her time at Rome is fondly remembered by many in the area. Pat was active in ladies home bureau in the 1950's. Also active in DAR; she had served as a local regent. Pat also worked for Hospice and literacy volunteers. She was a member of the Dinner Club, the Synchronized Swim group at the Y, and won many medals in swimming at the NYS Senior Games. Her hobbies included gardening, camping, genealogy research, and politics; she worked for the local Democratic Party for many years, as a faithful organizer and election bureau staff person. A memorial service will be held Friday at 11:00 AM at Zion Episcopal Church, 140 W. Liberty Street, Rome, NY. There are no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut St., Rome, NY.