Ruth Ellen Romano

Another talented Angel will be dearly missed when Our Lord called upon her to be at his side, early in the morning of May 8th, 2015. Ruth Ellen Romano, 73 years young, an Indigenous American from the Lumbee Tribe and a 5 year cancer survivor, was battling metastatic disease when Our Lord ceased her suffering.

Ruth Ellen Brayboy was the first child born to Ester Chavis of Fairmont, Robeson County, NC and Iron Brayboy of Maxton, Robeson County, NC on June 17, 1941. She was the oldest daughter of eight children in the family (Ruth Ellen, Ruby Malinda, twins (died at birth), Iron Jr., Joseph Kelly, Mary Lou, and William Turner). Ruth loved her family dearly and helped to care for her father Iron and her siblings when her mother Ester could not be with them. Ruth did most of the housekeeping and chores and helped teach her siblings their school lessons. Ruth loved her family and cared for them so much, that her younger brothers and sisters regarded Ruth with the same love one would give to their own mother.

In 1961, while Ruth was working as a waitress in Fayetteville, NC, she met Peter Mario Romano Jr., a military policeman employed at Fort Bragg, NC military base. They were married at Fort Bragg on January 5, 1962 and shortly moved to the Baychester section of the Bronx, NY, to live with Uncle Virgilio Francesco and Aunt Frances Albrizio Forzano. Ruth and Peter later settled at 211th St, until 1966 when they purchased their DeWitt Place home. Ruth continued to work as a waitress at the TeePee Diner and later the Royal Coach Diner, while Peter worked as a driver/dispatcher for TRYAX Taxi Service and later for Perma-Line Corporation of America. Ruth and Peter found time to have three children: Peter Jr. (1962), Virgilio Frances (1967) and Maria (1971). Ruth and Peter separated for a few years and Peter later died in a tragic automobile accident on July 1st, 1981. Ruth loved Peter so much, she never remarried.

Ruth continued to raise her children at DeWitt Place in New York. She continued working nights as a waitress to give her children the best possible education through parochial grammar schools and their choice of high schools. Ester retired from nursing and came to live with the family and help Ruth.

When Maria started a college career, Ruth and Ester moved back to North Carolina because of Ester’s age and declining health. Ruth wanted nothing more for Ester, than for Ester to spend her remaining life with her own family. Ruth cared tirelessly for Ester in her home, as long as possible. When Ester’s health required continuous nursing care, it was necessary for Ester to live in a nursing home. Ruth still cared for Ester, every day, until Our Lord ceased Ester’s suffering and caller her home.

Ruth lived alone in North Carolina for many years. Ruth went back to work as a caretaker for both very young and very old members of her family and community. She loved being a healer and educator for others. When Ruth was given the opportunity, she did not ignore it; she accepted a position working for The University of North Carolina At Pembroke as a housekeeper for the Chancellor’s House and surrounding area. Ruth worked at this position for 10 years before retiring.

For someone who had selflessly devoted their life to helping others, GOD blessed our mother Ruth with the time to enjoy life for herself, and enjoy it she did…

In 2009, Ruth moved to Florida to be closer to family. Ruth purchased an apartment at Century Village, West Palm Beach, and hit the ground running. Ruth won the hearts of many of the Villagers and found her way into a position as stenographer for the village meeting minutes. Ruth charmed everyone she met, Ruth loved her apartment and Ruth loved and enjoyed every minute of her new life at Century Village.

Soon after Ruth settled into Century Village, she learned that she had cancer. Six months later, cancer removed, Ruth had a clean bill of health and returned to live life as a survivor.

Ruth remained at Century Village for six years, and absolutely loved it. It was there that Ruth was truly her happiest. Ruth thrived on the new companionship and new opportunities for exploration that her community provided. Ruth enjoyed day trips to casinos, shows, cruises and dances with the members of the Latin-American Club (even though she wasn’t of Latin-American descent). Ruth made many good friendships and also found a family of faith that enriched her spiritual life too.

Ruth is survived by her children, Peter, Virgilio and Maria, her brothers Iron Jr. and William and her sister Mary Lou, her grandchildren Amanda Marie Otero-Romano and Jonathan Leonard Romano. Ruth’s dignity, faith, humor, wisdom, and wit will be missed by every single soul she touched while she completed her purpose here on earth. Her loving spirit will live on in our hearts and memories forever.

This memoire has been written through the combinative thoughts, facts and prayers presented

by Peter Joseph Romano Jr., Virgilio Frances Romano & Maria Brayboy Romano.