Angela Christine Romano

Angela Christine Romano, 42, residing in South Bend, passed away peacefully in her home Tuesday, June 5, 2018. She was born at Great Lakes Naval Hospital near Chicago, IL, on May 5, 1976 to John L. and Diane R. (Appleby) Romano, both of whom survive.  In addition to her parents, she is survived by her brother, John L. Romano II, and sister-in-law, Elizabeth A.; nephew, John J. Romano; niece, Isabella D. Romano; and, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins from her extended, loving family.

As an infant, Angela was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and developed other special needs throughout her life that challenged her and her family, but never diminished the love they shared.  She always lived at home with her family and, due to her medical conditions, she attended several special needs programs throughout the Midwest, from infancy through adulthood.  In South Bend, Angela attended South Bend Community Schools from 1985 to 1998 and Logan Center Day Program from 1998 to the present.

As a little girl who didn’t talk or walk and needed constant care and attention, Angela was a challenge to her doctors and caregivers, yet her family tried to make life as normal as possible.  Angela went on numerous vacations to visit family members and friends, attended sporting and school events for both her and her brother, and traveled to Disney World, where the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland parted the crowd to greet her and touch her cheek.  Angela found immeasurable joy in the simple moments of life.  She loved when her brother’s friends would enter her home and greet her with a “Hi Ange!”  Special occasions meant helium balloons, and any day warranted dancing stuffed animals and Angela’s disco party lights; the smile on her face that they elicited was priceless.

In the last few years of her life, she especially enjoyed time spent in Chicago with John, Liz, and John and Bella.  But her favorite place to visit was Logan, where she made many friends over the years and was greeted and lovingly cared for by the staff, especially her nurses Doris, Cherry, and Sharon.  Her Logan family loved her fancy, colorful socks and well-pillowed wheelchair, painted nails and bracelets, and Angela enjoyed those wonderful days with friends.

Despite not attending a traditional school program or earning a teaching degree, Angela was a fabulous teacher.  She taught patience and empathy and demonstrated strength and resilience.  Angela reminded everyone who knew her to slow down and marvel at life’s simple pleasures.  She was loved by all and will be missed by and hold a special place in the hearts of her parents, family and friends.

Memorial services for Angela will be held at 12:00pm on Friday, July 20,2018 at Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN.  Friends may visit with the family from 11:00am to 12:00pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Angela may be donated to LOGAN Community Resources, Inc., Development Department, P.O. Box 1049, South Bend, IN 46624.

Online condolences may be left for the Romano family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.