Obituary
Jeanne Marie (Kempf) Romano (90) of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed away on April 4, 2024. Jeanne was born in 1934 in Syracuse, New York to Charles and Gertrude (Koch) Kempf. She grew up in Syracuse, New York and graduated from North High School. After high school, Jeanne worked as a teller at Onodaga Savings Bank and later in the Mortgage Department. A ride home from neighbor Tony Romano evolved into a romance and marriage that lasted for 68 years. Jeanne and Tony welcomed two daughters, Sue and Wen-d while living in Syracuse. A talented seamstress, Jeanne sewed much of her family's clothing and taught beginners sewing for a number of years for the East Syracuse-Minoa Adult Education Program. She also enjoyed doing ceramics and various other craft actives. After living in Syracuse for nearly twenty years Jeanne and Tony moved to Andover, Massachusetts, then to Coventry, Rhode Island and finally settled in Kalamazoo, Michigan where they lived for over forty years. Jeanne continued her love of the arts learning folk painting, painting with watercolors and quilting. After Tony retired Jeanne and Tony enjoyed participating in craft fairs as "Sawdust and Threads" for many years. They sold Jeanne's paintings and sewing projects as well as wooden crafts and Santas that Tony carved and Jeanne painted. Jeanne, a true artisan, loved the time she spent in her craft room creating new pieces. Jeanne will be missed for her many talents as well as her quick wit and effervescent personality. Jeanne was predeceased by her husband Tony in February of 2023. She leaves her two daughters Sue Lynch ( Dan) of Wellfleet, Massachusetts and Wen-d Romano of Kalamazoo, Michigan and two grandchildren Katie Lynch and Bob Lynch (Maggie Taylor) as well as a number of nieces and nephews. She will remain in our hearts forever. Visitation will be Friday, April 12, 2024, from 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Langeland Family Funeral Home, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, at St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish, Kalamazoo, with Father Paul Redmond presiding. The Mass will be followed by the Rite of Committal and Burial at Portage South Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Please visit Jeanne's memory page at www.langelands.com to sign her guest book or share memories with her family.