Bertha "Bert" E. Romanow
Join us in celebrating Bertha "Bert"—please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
Bertha "Bert" E. Romanow, 92, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at home.
Born on March 27, 1930, in Utica, she was the daughter of Martyn and Kathryn (Prymycz) Romanow. Bert was a graduate of Utica Free Academy, Class of 1948. She continued her education at Utica College of Syracuse University earning a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations (Cum Laude) in 1975.
Bert began her career in public relations in 1960 at General Electric and in 1962 was named Public Relations Director for the Greater Utica United Way, a position she held for eight years. She continued her career in public relations as the Public Information Officer for the Oneida County Executive before becoming Public Relations & Development Director at St. Luke's Memorial Hospital from which she retired in 1992 after 20 years.
After retirement, Bert continued working in the PR field as a consultant taking on projects at the Kirkland Town Library and New Hartford Public Library. She also started a business, Poetry and Flowers, selling pressed flower and calligraphy products to gift shops and museums.
During her leisure retirement time, she enjoyed watercolor painting, golf, gardening, and travel. She attended classes at MVILR at SUNY from its inception, participated in exercise classes at the Parkway Senior Center, and was a member of Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute participating in classes, attending exhibits, and musical performances year-round.
Bert was very active in the community she loved. She served on numerous Boards holding leadership positions including Utica College Alumni Association, Utica College Foundation, Zonta Club of Utica, Mohawk Valley Advertising & PR Club, SCORE, Landmarks Society of Greater Utica, Visiting Nurse Association, the Utica Chapter of the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, YWCA, Voluntary Action Center and the Catholic Women's Club of Utica.
Bert was very proud of her Ukrainian heritage and as a young girl was active in St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Bert was a devoted member of Historic Old St. John's Church serving as President of St. John's Pastoral Council, was a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the choir, served as a lector, and volunteered with the Food Pantry.
Throughout her life, Bert highly valued and maintained a close connection with her family, wherever they lived. She always had a smile for every person she met.
Surviving Bert are numerous nieces and nephews and lifelong friend, Jean O'Neil. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Stanley (Jean) Romanow, Edward Romanow, Mary (Leo) Remizowski, Helen (Tony) Zyga, John (Veronica) Romanow, and Joseph (Joan) Romanow.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Historic Old St. John's Church. The family will receive guests following the Mass. Interment will be in St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Bert's name may be made to Historic Old St. John's Church. Envelopes will be available at the Mass.
Arrangements are under the direction of McGrath, Myslinski, Karboski & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica.
Messages of sympathy at www.mmknfd.com