Barbara S. (Romo) Englander

With her family by her side, Barbara Englander, age 73, passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at her home.

Barbara was born in Chicago, IL, on May 18, 1936, to the late William and Edna Perttunen Romo. She was raised in Hancock and Negaunee in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

She graduated from Chicago’s Augustana Hospital School of Nursing in 1957.

On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1959, in Chicago, IL, she married Dr. Stanley M. Englander.

Barbara was committed to community involvement and volunteerism. She was a past president of the Junior League of Racine; she was active with La Leche League and Racine Family Planning in the 1960s and 70s; she was the Founding President of the Racine Urban Aesthetics Commission, an early effort to revitalize and encourage the development of downtown Racine.

Barbara always had a love for books and literature and enjoyed sharing her interests with friends in area book clubs. She was the manager of Martha Merrill’s bookstore from 1979 to 1981. In 1991 she earned her BA in English from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

Barbara cultivated a keen interest in American folk art and in the last decade of her life she developed a tremendous love for quilting. She was a member of Racine’s Lighthouse Quilters Guild and found immense joy and satisfaction in the art and craft of quilt making, and in the camaraderie among those who shared her enthusiasm.

Survivors include her loving husband of fifty years, Dr. Stanley M. Englander; her children, Steven and his daughter Siu Loong of New York City, Eric and his wife Nancy of New York City, Brian and his wife Leigh Ann and their daughters Sarah and Gabrielle of Lincolnville, ME, Alison and her daughter Avery Sue of Gorham, ME; brother and sister-in-law William and Susan Romo of Brookfield, WI; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. James and Carole Englander of Milwaukee, WI; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. Her parents and sister, Jacqueline, preceded her in death.

A Memorial Celebration honoring Barbara’s life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to worthy local charities.

MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888