Thelma I. Romanos

Thelma I. Romanos, 88, of 4 Columbia Street and formerly of 17 Country Club Avenue, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 19, 2011 with her children by her side. She was born in Basemen Township, Minnesota, on February 11, 1923, the daughter of Norwegian immigrants Anton Johnsen and Olianna (Ramstad) Johnsen. She lived in Minnesota until 1942, when she moved to California and worked for Douglas Aircraft during the Second World War. It was here that she met her future husband, Leo A. Romanos Sr. and together the two moved to Adams and were married in St. Thomas Aquinas Church on December 23, 1944. Thelma and Leo were the long time proprietors of Leo's Food Shoppe, a popular diner on Spring Street in Adams from 1946 until 1972, where Thelma worked long, early-morning hours baking the Shoppe's pies. She then worked in the Savoy elementary school as a classroom aid until her retirement in 1987. Thelma enjoyed golf, traveling, music, dancing and the company of friends, and was the envy of her family for her luck at the casino. Her energy and enthusiasm for life will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to have known her. Thelma leaves behind her daughter Gail R. Bryson and her husband Richard of Millville, and her son Leo A. Romanos, Jr. and his wife Anne Marie of Adams. She was Sittoo to four grandchildren, Joshua Bryson and his wife Gretchen, Sarah Bryson, Joseph Romanos and Andrew Romanos; and two great-grandchildren, Jamie and Grace Bryson. She also leaves behind two siblings, William Johnson and Eleanor Poehlman. Her husband Leo A. Romanos, Sr. passed away on May 4, 1991. Her siblings Marie, Edwin, Alice, Margaret and Olivia also predeceased her. The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 25, at 11:00AM from the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 12:00 NOON in the Parish Church of Pope John Paul the Great, Adams, celebrated by Rev. Daniel J. Boyle, Pastor. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours are Friday from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Parish of Pope John Paul the Great for the religious education program or Elder Services of Berkshire County through the funeral home.

Thelma I. Romanos

February 11, 1923 - June 19, 2011