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Elizabeth Ann Hinckley Romish

Elizabeth Ann Hinckley Romish passed away on October 24, 2022 surrounded by her family in their home.  She is survived by her husband John H. Romish and 5 children, John Andrew, Lisa, Rebecca, Thomas and Sarah, son-in-law Eddie Mui and granddaughter Mia.  Ann was born to John and Elizabeth Hinckley on September 7, 1934 in Boston, Massachusetts.  Ann was the third girl in a family of four daughters.  She matriculated through the Belmont, Massachusetts public schools.   She continued her studies and graduated from Simmons College in Boston.  Upon her completion, she went to Europe with girlfriends and during their travels arrived in Vienna, Austria at the time of the Hungarian Revolution.  Swept up in the action, she volunteered at the United Nations processing Hungarian refugees in Vienna.  After coming home for a short time, she was asked to return to Yugoslavia and help in processing refugees in that country.  On her return, she served a mission in the Pacific Northwest for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for a year and a half.  

She met her husband John between one of the trips abroad and they married in 1960.  For the first years of marriage, they lived abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark.  They traveled as much as possible around Europe exploring the sites sounds and architecture.  They returned to the states and settled in Belmont, Massachusetts and had five children.   Their first child, John Andrew, was born deaf but it wasn’t discovered until he was a year old.  This event started Ann’s passion and interest in special needs children.  After the birth of her other four children, she went back to school and pursued a masters in Special Education at Boston State. 

In 1979 Ann moved across the country with her family to Portland, Oregon.  She began teaching in the Portland Public Schools.  Her passion for education and love of children is where she thrived and excelled.  She eventually became the Student Management Specialist at Jackson Middle School.  She enjoyed working with rowdy kids and helping them navigate the tough middle school years.  In 2000 she was recognized and received the Excellence in Education Award from NBA Portland Blazers and Portland Public School foundation. As an extrovert, she loved people and help them along the way with quick responses, suggestions to improve, books, food and chocolate kisses.

Upon retirement, John and Ann moved to Seattle to be closer to their oldest child, John Andrew.  She served in many capacities in the church throughout her life.  She also volunteered at Seattle Children’s hospital to help and support families with sick children from all corners of the northwest.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name at Seattle Children’s hospital. 

Celebration of Life
Saturday, November 5th at 1:00pm
LDS Church
5701 8th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98105


Comments

Ann’s obituary is lovely. I learned some things I never knew. Thinking of all of you today, sending good wishes and love from Virginia.

Jolene Horch Bodily


What an exciting, purposeful and wonderful life she lived. She blessed multitude of lives. Best wishes to you and your family at this tender time and always.
Sincerely

Eeva-Leena Zollinger


We so appreciate receiving the Zoom link to Ann's service. It was wonderful to see Jean Bennion who so resembles Ann! The talks brought back many wonderful memories of Ann's humor, energy, graciousness, and generosity. What a gift to us her friendship has been. We are so grateful to John, Lisa, and Becca for sending us the information so we could vicariously join the service! We send our love to you all. Laurel and Gael Ulrich

Laurel and Gael Ulrich. ulrich@fas.harvard.edu and gaelulrich@gmail.com


Ann was a force of nature. She could do more, say more, and help more than almost anyone I’ve ever known. She could be exasperating in that she exposed the truth leaving some of our failings open. Honestly. I thank God to have been in her cone of influence-to have known someone who spoke directly not obliquely, what a wonderful person who lived an amazing life .

Lynn W Evans


I was a student at Jackson Middle School during Mrs. Romish's tenure. I will never forget my initial impression of her (terrified - indeed, she was a force), but most importantly I will always remember her with gratitude for the way she stood up for me after I was assaulted by a gang of bully girls. Another counselor had dismissed me, even having the audacity to blame me for the assault, but Mrs. Romish saw the truth and made them face consequences. I'm now a middle school teacher, as well as a mom of teens. Like Mrs. Romish, I will always stand up for my children, and for the children in my class. I only wish I could've told her this myself. Bless you Mrs. Romish 

Monique (Brown) Boehme


I just learned of her passing.  What a wonderful joyful woman! Her kindness and energy can not be measured.  My life is better for having known her.  My deep condolences. 

Rowena Ard


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