Helen Dorothy Romness

Helen Dorothy Meyn was born on February 23, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois to Marietta and Arthur Meyn. She grew up in Park Falls and Whitehall, Wisconsin with her two sisters and two brothers, and was affectionately nicknamed “Honey” by her family. Her father was a physician in the Civilian Conservation Corps and her mother was a nurse. She attended college at the University of Wisconsin Stout in Menomonie and Wesley School of Nursing (Northwestern) in Chicago, graduating in 1947 with her nursing degree. She met Joseph O. Romness at Northwestern, and they were married in Chicago on September 6, 1947. They lived and worked in Chicago, Louisville (KY), Bremerton (WA), and Rochester (MN) before choosing to build a wonderful life and family together in Arlington, Virginia in 1955.

Helen was an extremely loyal friend and mother. She was highly involved in her church and community, including Georgetown Presbyterian Church (60 year member), Arlington Medical Society Alliance, Virginia Hospital Center (Arlington Hospital), and The Stitchers. She managed an active house with five children she loved very much, often entertained, and frequently had house guests from all over the country and world.

Helen and Joe Romness were married for 63 years until Joe’s passing in 2011. They were best friends and devoted partners, who always had time for each other and anyone who needed a great friend. They traveled the world, met interesting people, and always came home to their family and friends in the Washington, DC area. They are together again.

Helen is survived by her children, Nancy Currier (Brad), Peter (Suzanne), David (Karen), Mark (Christine), Paul (Bridget), her grandchildren, Sarah Lieder (Phil), Michael, Tom, David, Andie, Erin, Colin, Joey, Nicole, Daniel, Anna, Will, Jane, Bergen, Hayden, her great-grandchildren Henry and Rose Lieder, her brothers Bill (Evelyn) and Don (Dawn), and 15 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two sisters, Margaret Jackson and Kathryn Hegge. She will be missed and remembered as a wonderful mother and Grammy, faithful friend, and consummate hostess.

The family requests that memorial gifts be given to Georgetown Presbyterian Church; 3115 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 or Virginia Hospital Center; 1701 N George Mason Dr, Arlington, VA 22205.