Edna Frances Romance

Wednesday, April 25, 2018, Edna Romance died peacefully in Tucson, Arizona. Edna was a long-time resident of the White Mountains, living 10 years in Whiteriver and 35 years in Show Low.  Born in 1924 in Niagara Falls, NY, Edna was the youngest of five children. Edna was married to George Lawrence Romance on March 31, 1951.  The couple had five children and resided in Syracuse and Tupper Lake New York, Butler Pennsylvania, Albuquerque New Mexico, Schurz and Yerington Nevada, Anchorage Alaska, Nespelem Washington, Whiteriver and Show Low Arizona. Edna was preceded in death by her father, Michael J. Conlin and mother Irene M Lyall Conlin, her sisters Joan, Mary, Patricia and her brother James; her husband George L. Romance, and their children George Michael, Stephen Paul. She is survived by three children, Tim, Maggie and Andy; their spouses Sharon, Cliff and Cindy; 8 grandchildren, Travis, Evan, Lucas, Patrick, Dominic, Ciara, Cameron and Katrina; and five great grandchildren, Matthew, Evelynn, Taylor, Aubree and Bennett. At the time of death when the soul leaves its human shell, the truth of each human’s relationship with God will be laid bare, the good they have done or what they have failed to do in their earthly life. Godmother to over fifty souls, the majority tribal members throughout the western United States.    Edna was catholic, universal, all encompassing. Edna was Catholic, apostolic, faithful. In a letter to one of her children written 40 years ago Edna shared a message that belongs to all of us: “Agnus Dei means Lamb of God. You are my little lamb.  I wish you could go through life unhurt, however, I know this is impossible.  None of us do. But my child, make use of the hurt and offer it to God for whatever and in whichever way God chooses to use your upsets.  God will never let you down.  Unfortunately His human beings do.  His Sacred Heart was broken and is still being broken by our wrong doings.  Love Him.  He loves you.  I love you.  Don’t ever forget this – never – no matter what happens in this life.” Mom Edna was a tiny woman barely 5’ tall in her prime. This gentle, kind and loving woman held a strength and fortitude that came from her faith and the sacraments she regularly received. Age took her eye sight, her capacity to stand and walk. As Edna began to lose her ability to speak, the words than remained were please, thank you, and I love you.  Kindness, gratitude and love.  This was Edna Romance. The death of the oldest active parishioner on the mountain will be celebrated during a funeral mass on Thursday, May 3 at Saint Rita’s Catholic Church in Show Low, Arizona at 11:00 a.m., rosary preceding at 10:00 a.m.  Edna will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix on Friday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m.