 1917 - 2014 (97 years)
-
| Name |
Iris Claire JOHNSON |
| Born |
26 Oct 1917 |
Boyd Road, Rollingdam, Dumbarton, Charlotte, NB  [1, 2] |
| Gender |
Female |
| Birth |
[1918] |
NB [3] |
| Birth |
26 Oct 1917 |
Rollingdam, Dumbarton, Charlotte, NB [4] |
| Birth |
26 Oct 1917 [5] |
| Birth |
26 Oct 1917 |
Rollingdam, Dumbarton, Charlotte, NB [6] |
| Origin |
1 Jun 1921 |
Irish [3] |
| Religion |
1 Jun 1921 [3] |
| Methodist |
| Residence |
1 Jun 1921 |
Rollingdam, Dumbarton, Charlotte, NB [3] |
| Residence |
26 Jan 1944 |
Milltown, St Stephen, Charlotte, NB [7] |
| Naturalization |
27 Jun 1963 |
New London, New London, CT [5] |
| Residence |
27 Jun 1963 |
Lambtown Road, Gales Ferry, New London, CT [5] |
| _EYEC |
27 Jun 1963 [5] |
| Blue |
| _HAIR |
27 Jun 1963 [5] |
| Brown |
| _HEIG |
27 Jun 1963 [5] |
| 5 ft 6 3/4 in |
| _WEIG |
27 Jun 1963 [5] |
| 141 |
| Residence |
3 Apr 2000 |
122 Lambtown Road, Groton, New London, CT [8] |
| Died |
31 Dec 2014 |
Westerly Nursing Home, Westerly, Washington, RI |
- Obituary Iris Romanski
Iris Romanski died Wednesday December 31, 2014, at the Westerly Nursing Home, at the age of 97. She had lived for many years at 122 Lambtown Road in Mystic, and moved to the Elms Retirement Residence in Westerly in February 2010.
Iris was born at home October 26, 1917, in Rollingdam, New Brunswick, Canada, in the same room her mother was born in. Her parents were Oscar Johnson (a barber, storekeeper and farmer) and Clara McCrum (who was known to read tea leaves). Before she was married, Iris worked as a hand-dipper at the Ganong Brothers Chocolate Company in St Stephen.
Iris married Edward Romanski in 1944 in Calais, Maine. Edward was a Navy SeaBee stationed at Quoddy Village, Eastport. After the War they returned to Norwich, Connecticut, where they lived with Edward's mother for a short time. They soon moved to Poquonnock Bridge, Groton, where two children were born. Edward built a house on Lambtown Road that the family move to in 1955. Iris became a naturalized US citizen in 1963.
Iris belonged to the Poquonnock Bridge Baptist Church where she was active for many years. he was an avid golfer and belonged to local women's leagues. She loved to knit, crochet and sew. She kept lovely flower gardens and was a homemaker par excellence.
Iris is survived by her children Edward Romanski of Hopkinton and Joanne Crook of South Africa; grandchildren William Romanski and Erin LaMarre of Westerly, James Romanski who lives at the homestead on Lambtown Road, Andrew Crook of Knoxville; great-grandchildren Emily LaMarre, Avery Romanski, Whitney Crook and Walker Romanski; sisters Lois Lombard of Brockville, Ontario, and Eleanor Craig of Rollingdam; and a brother Paul Johnson of Rollingdam. She is predeceased by her husband Edward Romanski, a son Wayne Johnson, a sister Eileen Johnson, brothers Spike Johnson, Hewitt Johnson, Robert Johnson and Ross Johnson.
Arrangements have not yet been made.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Westerly Nursing Home ? Activities.
|
| Person ID |
I13 |
4 February 2018 |
| Last Modified |
1 Jan 2015 |
| Father |
Oscar Wylie JOHNSON, b. 13 Dec 1886, Rollingdam, Dumbarton, Charlotte, NB , d. 28 Mar 1973, Rollingdam, Dumbarton, Charlotte, NB (Age 86 years) |
| Mother |
Clara Mabel MCCRUM, b. 29 Jun 1887, Boyd Road, Rollingdam, Dumbarton, Charlotte, NB , d. 10 Jul 1979, St Stephen, St Stephen, Charlotte, NB (Age 92 years) |
| Married |
17 Sep 1913 |
St Stephen, St Stephen, Charlotte, NB [1, 9] |
- RS141B7
Index to New Brunswick Marriages
Name JOHNSON, OSCAR W.
Married MCCRUM, CLARA M.
Date 1913 | 09 | 17 (Y-M-D)
County CHARLOTTE
Parish ----
Number 2272
Reference B4/1913
Microfilm F15952
- Oscar W Johnson
27 yrs
Bachelor
barber
Presbyterian
r Rolling Dam
b Rolling Dam
David & Isabella Johnson
Clara M McCrum
26 yrs
Spinster
Methodist
r Rolling Dam
b Rolling Dam
Robert and Rachel McCrum
by License
married 17 September 1913
Oscar W Johnson
Clara M McCrum
Wit: Mrs Geo E Jones St Stephen; Mrs Geo Hill St Stephen
by G F Dawson St Stephen
|
| Family ID |
F6 |
Group Sheet | Family Chart |
| Family 1 |
Edward Joseph ROMANSKI, b. 10 Aug 1914, Norwich, New London, CT , d. 3 Apr 2000, 122 Lambtown Road, Mystic, New London, CT (Age 85 years) |
| Married |
26 Jan 1944 |
Calais, Washington, ME [10] |
- By Albert Barnard English, Notary Public.
|
| Married |
26 Jan 1944 |
ME [7] |
| Married |
26 Jan 1944 |
[Calais, Washington, ME] [11] |
| Children |
|
| Family ID |
F5 |
Group Sheet | Family Chart |
-
| Photos |
 |
|
-
| Notes |
- Birth: Iris Clair Johnson d Oscar Wiley Johnson m Clara M McCrum
7 August 2011
I visted Gram today at the Elms. She was sitting outside with her friend Liz. Liz left us to visit. Eventually we strolled back to her room. I weeded her garden outside her door. Gram told be about a blue hydrangea that was once growing in her yard. When she worked opening cottages in Pequonock Bridge, one of them had cut hydrangeas in a vase. One of the stems began to send out roots. She took it home and planted it, tending it for many years. One summer was very dry and the plant did not survive.
She also told me that I should get a blue hydrangea and not a purple one.
- Canada, Voters Lists, 1935-1980 about Miss Iris Johnson
Name: Miss Iris Johnson
Gender: Female
Marital Status: Spinster (Single (Female))
Year: 1940
Location: Charlotte, New Brunswick, Canada
Electoral District: Charlotte
Canada, Voters Lists, 1935-1980 about Miss Iris Johnson
Name: Miss Iris Johnson
Gender: Female
Occupation: Maid
Year: 1940
Location: Charlotte, New Brunswick, Canada
Electoral District: Charlotte
- Border Crossings: From Canada to U.S., 1895-1956
Name: Iris Claire Romanski
Arrival Date: 22 Dec 1945
Port of Arrival: Calais, Maine, USA
Accompanied By: Husband Edward
Arrival Contact: Husband Edward J Romanski USC
Departure Contact: Father Oscar Johnson
Age: 28
Birth Date: abt 1917
Birth Place: Rollingdam, NB
Gender: Female
Record has photo?: No
Record Type: Cards
Canadian Passport #413006 issued Ottawa, Can val to 11/8/47
Housewife
Read/Write
English
Scotch-Irish
Canadian
last perm r Rolling Dam
In Us "Short visits only" Calais and Vicinity
Edward J Romanski 27 North Stewwt, Borwich, Conn
Reside permanently
5'6" Fair brown Blue
Scar on left temple
- Gram Christmas on Meadow Road
Gram talked a little on Christmas 2009 about her family's holiday when she was young.
The stockings were hung on a shelf over the stove in the kitchen. Gram and her brothers and sisters would come down the stairs and open them up early. They would get an orange and some nuts, sometimes a toy. Then they would have breakfast, wash all the dishes and clean up the kitchen, then go into the living room. They would mostly get clothes they needed for the year and sometime a toy. Gram remembers getting a doll more than one year.
I talked to her again 6 January 2010
Gram's mother would bake cookies on Christmas but nothing out of the ordinary or fancy, molasses for example. That time of year she would also make fruit cake. There was no liquor in the, save for some brandy that she took when she got her breath caught in her throat, so the fruit cake went without.
I asked if she visited her grandparents on Christmas. Gram reminded me that her grandfather McCrum died before she was born and her grandmother McCrum when she was three months old. (Gram McCrum used to rock her when she was an infant, Gram recalled her mother telling.)
Going to visit ?Grammy and Grampy? Johnson on Rollingdam road at Christmas was never a regular thing. Once in a while Gram's mother might take a couple of them over but definitely never the whole family at once.
Here Gram reminded me that all she remembered of her Grammy Johnson was that she just sat in a rocking chair. She wondered what she would think of her at 92 sitting in slacks and doing the things that she did.
Gram couldn't plainly remember how the Johnson homestead was laid out. And she could ever remember anyone talking about where her father was born, although it made sense that he was born at that farmhouse. There was a summer kitchen at the right hand end (or was there), but the barn wasn't attached to the house like the house on meadow road. Upstairs? She never went up stairs. If you went visiting as a child, you sat where your mother told you and stayed there until you left. You didn't go exploring the house like children today, even if the curiosity drove you mad.
Nevertheless, Gram was particularly ?bashful? as a child. She would stick to where the family was anyway. She remarked on how some memories stay with you. Once she was going to visit on of the Peacock families up the road with her Aunt Annie? McCrum (I wish I had asked her to clarify). She didn't say a word the whole walk up.
She also recalled when Lois was born Aunt Mary, Beriah Johnson's wife, took care of her and Hewitt. When they were driving back to the farm she asked Aunt Mary if Hewitt was sleeping. Gram was about 4 years old and Hewitt 2. They were riding on a horse-drawn sleigh.
- Gram Berries
7 July 2010
Today Gram told me about raking blueberries when she was a kid. She was friends with Margaret Nxon and they used to go up Whittier Ridge to pick blueberries. Once they challenged Margaret's brothers to a contest, to see who could rake the most berries. In the end the girls won raking 11 bushels each!
Blueberry raking was a common job in Charlotte County. Berries would be raked and collected by trucks from Calais. Gram thinks that the canning company was called Bridges. Before they picked blueberries into bushels, they would pack them in ?strawberry baskets,? which they were paid 2 or 3 cents a basket.
At home, Gram and her brothers and sisters picked blueberries along the train tracks. Her mother made muffins and they also ate the berries in a bowl with cream. They also grew strawberries which then were planted off behind where Uncle Paul keeps the goats. The rows were so long she couldn't see the other end. The berries were sold by the crate when the train stopped in Hewitt Station.
- 6 January 2014
Yesterday we buried my darling grandmother. I was the last to see her. She had been stricken overnight New Year's Eve. Mom called me at work to tell me and I quickly decided that I needed to see her. Or that maybe she needed to see me. I rushed down to the nursing home. Mom and Dad were on their way. Gram's breathing was very labored, and if she was awake she probably was uncomfortable. My poor little grandmother. I stroked her hair. I told her I loved her. I couldn't leave her. I turned to go a couple of times but had to keep going back to her. She opened her eyes, but didn't have the power to look where she wanted. I told her I loved her. And I finally had to go.
I waited in the parking lot, in case I could meet Mom and Dad. I really didn't know when they were coming. I decide to wait until 11:15 to leave. When Mom and Dad got there are 11:20, Gram was gone.
We greeted our friends and family in the same funeral home where we gathered in honor of Gramp almost 15 years ago. When it was time to go to church Jim, Steve, Rick, Manda, Nicole and me were the ones who bore Gram to the hearse.
I had gotten up early that morning to take a ride before work. I drove down to Watch Hill and the full moon was reflecting in the harbor. By the time I reached work the clouds had covered everything and there was a chill. The temperature dropped throughout the morning and the wind picked up. The sun came out and shined on us as we brought Gram into the church.
Pastor Claudine did a perfect job of describing Gram. There were so many great qualities that you don't realize until someone points them out, or puts their finger on them. When it came time to reflect, I said a few things about how lucky Gram was to be a grandmother for so long. I have always known that I was lucky to be her grandson. Julie read a letter that Aunt Jo sent from Africa, telling how wonderful and caring a mother Gram was. Hillier from down the street talked about how Gram's flowers were the first to come up in the spring. Another in the congregation told how Gram was proud of being the oldest member of the church. There was so much more to say. Countless stories. So many memories.
Dad was remembering tonight at Tuesday dinner about how great Gram's date bars and pineapple squares were. How she used to make mince meat pie with venison that was amazing. How dinner was served at 4:30 every night, when Gramp got home from work.
Erin remembered sleeping over Gram's when she was little. How silent and still the house was. How calm. All you could hear was the ticking and chiming of the clock.
I remember the tulips around the rock by the driveway. The birdfeeder out the front picture window. And that blue globe bank, trussed up with twine, hanging over the window full of pennies. And that reminds me of the cup full of change over the kitchen sink, just coins that Gram and Gramp found on the ground. And that ceramic chicken on the same shelves there that was Uncle Robert's. And taking a walk down Lambtown road, all the way to the brook! And sometimes coming down the other road so we could walk through the woods at the back of the lot. And sometimes up to 184 and around.
Every thought makes me miss her more.
Pastor Claudine picked out hymns that she said Gram loved, including ?In the Garden.? And Psalm 84, a favorite of Gram's. I sang every song. Every note I sang to my grandmother.
It was so cold by the time we got to the cemetery. And so so windy. There were a few short prayers for her, then it was time.
I was lucky to have Gram.
o have a grandmother For almost 40 years
s something to speak of
ram only knew one of her grandmothers:
sabella Carroll Johnson. Her Grammie Johnson
All I remember of my grandmother" Gram said "is that she just sat in a chair."
ram was never an old grandmother
he golfed until she was 89.
he raked leaves
ook care of the yard
ended her gardens
ell into her 80s.
hen she finally started using a cane
was convinced that it was just to poke things with.
ven 2 weeks ago she was cleaning house at bingo
e grandmother might have thought she was crazy for being so active
'm glad I got to know Gram.
ram was lucky to get to be a grandmother for 37 years
nd I was lucky to be her grandson.
Legacy.com
January 06, 2015
On behalf of Mabel S. Arsenault and me we would like to pass on our condolences for the loss of Iris. Mabel was so shocked to hear of the news, she spoke if her often as a true friend would. As the light grows dimmer for Mabel; as yet another fond friend is removed. Again our condolences are sent to the family of a dear friend. Mabel S. Arsenault and Dennis W. Harlow, Attorney in Fact for Mabel.
~
Dennis Harlow,
Waterford, Connecticut
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewesterlysun/iris-romanski-condolences/173701262?eid=92066811#sthash.0Y1wmLOD.dpuf
Sorry for the family's loss. I enjoyed working with Iris over the last couple of years. She was very proud of her family and loved them dearly. Her family is why she lived her life. Sad place in my heart for your loss.
~
Richard Wucik,
Ashaway, Rhode Island
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewesterlysun/iris-romanski-condolences/173701262?eid=92066811#sthash.0Y1wmLOD.dpuf
Ed, Joanne...So sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and the rest of your family.
~
Gary Poe,
Stonington, Connecticut
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewesterlysun/iris-romanski-condolences/173701262?eid=92066811#sthash.0Y1wmLOD.dpuf
My sympathies to the family during this trying time. Hugs and prayers,Ross Craig, Montreal,p.q.,Canada - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewesterlysun/iris-romanski-condolences/173701262?eid=92066811#sthash.0Y1wmLOD.dpuf
Both Iris and her husband Ed were such a big part of our lives growing up in New Brunswick. Although I have not seen Iris for a number of years, I often have thoughts of the so called old days and Iris was always included in those memories. I am sure that she will be sadly missed by friends and family and all those who had the privledge to know her. Rest in peace aunt Iris, you will be forever in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with all members of the Romanski family. Terry and Mercedes Johnston, Ajax, Ontario, Canada - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewesterlysun/iris-romanski-condolences/173701262?eid=92066811#sthash.0Y1wmLOD.dpuf
To Edward and Joanne and family's our sympathy to you and your family at this very difficult time. Many great memories of your mom when she came home. God gained another angel.
Randal Johnson and Family - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewesterlysun/iris-romanski-condolences/173701262?&page=2#sthash.XaGAvOci.dpuf
Yes my aunt iris was a lovely person. I never called her aunt iris. And she would always say to me to call her aunt iris. Love her. Sweet aunt.
~
Julie Johnson meek,
Veazie, Maine
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewesterlysun/iris-romanski-condolences/173701262?&page=2#sthash.XaGAvOci.dpuf
Words of sorrow are quickly replaced with wonderful memories of years gone bye. Nephew John
~
John Johnston,
Brockville, Ontario
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewesterlysun/iris-romanski-condolences/173701262?&page=2#sthash.XaGAvOci.dpuf
Iris was a wonderful woman who cared deeply for her family. Sorry to hear of her passing. Condolences to all the family, Debbie
st. stephen
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewesterlysun/iris-romanski-condolences/173701262?&page=2#sthash.XaGAvOci.dpuf
In loving memory of my sister Iris,Much sympathy to Colleen and Ed and all the Romanski family at this sad time, my prayers and thoughts are with you all. Love to all Lois and Tom - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewesterlysun/iris-romanski-condolences/173701262?&page=2#sthash.XaGAvOci.dpuf
I will always cherish some wonderful memories of Aunt Iris....we always had great visits when she returned to her home place... Rolling Dam.....sending love and prayers to my cousins at this difficult time.....love you all
Paulette Johnson Parker and Family
St. Stephen, N.B. Canada - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewesterlysun/iris-romanski-condolences/173701262?&page=3#sthash.FLGoySB1.dpuf
Iris is our Aunt with whom we spent a lot of time with over the years. She was a lovely Aunt to us all. We visited her and Uncle Ed in their home many times with our family when we were children, and also with my husband in later years. She would take us to the beach, shopping, etc. with her good friend Gabe. We will miss her but we will keep her in our hearts.
~
Barbara Dougherty,
Canal, New Brunswick
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewesterlysun/iris-romanski-condolences/173701262?&page=3#sthash.FLGoySB1.dpuf
- When Gram was a teenager she drove the mail route that he father drove in Rollingdam, New Brunswick. In the winter she would naturally drawn by horse and sleigh. She recalls the horse was a "queer" animal who would as soon stop and stare at a rock. He was a creature of habit though, as she recalls. Once time, he decided that he wouldn't obey Gram's commands, and just took off. Instead of running straight home though, he ran the whole route!
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-
| Sources |
- [S99] Johnson Family Record, Attributed to Alice Johnson.
- [S104] Birth Certificate of Iris Claire Johnson, Province of New Brunswick.
- [S3914] Census of Canada, 1921, Commonwealth of Canada, (1 June 1921).
- [S3842] Birth Record of Iris Claire Johnson, Province of New Brunswick, (b 26 October 1917 reg 16 August 1943).
- [S663] Certificate of Naturalization of Irish Johnson Romanski, Department of Justice, (27 June 1963).
- [S664] Birth Certificate of Iris Johnson, New Brunswick Department of Health, (16 June 1976).
- [S318] Maine Marriages, 1892-1996, Ancestry.com, (Online).
- [S1721] Death Certificate of Edward Joseph Romanski, State of Connecticut Department of Public Health, (6 April 2000).
- [S13] Vital Records Database: PANB, Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, (http://archives.gnb.ca/APPS/GovRecs/VISSE/?L=EN).
- [S662] Marriage Certificate of Edward Romanski and Iris Johnson, City of Calais, ME, (26 January 1944).
- [S461] Obituary of Edward Romanski, New London Day (Written by Edward J Romanski), (Wednesday, April 5, 2000).
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