Mary Romon

Mary Ellen Romon, 74, Oronoco, MN, took her last breath on August 27th, 2025 at Mayo Clinic-St. Mary's Campus. Her devoted team of doctors, nurses, and other caring team members tried relentlessly to help her overcome complications from kidney disease, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and ultimately an unbeatable infection. Even during her 73 day hospital stay, Mary's focus remained on others- making people laugh and sharing the sweet smile everyone loved seeing.

Mary was born on November 19, 1951, and was adopted by Mildred and Leo Paulus, who raised her and her brother, Mark, in Minot, ND. Following in her mother's footsteps, she worked at Ellison's Department Store as a sales clerk and model. After graduating from Bishop Ryan HS she attended Minot State College. She pursued her childhood dream of becoming a nurse and moved to Rochester, MN. She briefly worked at Rochester State Hospital before finding her lifelong calling as an RN in same-day surgery at Olmsted Medical Center. There, she treated patients with kindness, compassion, and tried to make everyone smile and feel at ease.

On June 27th, 1976, not even a tornado and buckets lining the aisle could stop her from marrying Ray Romon. They celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary while she was in the hospital. Together, they raised their daughter, Michelle, on Lake Zumbro.

Mary loved to cook for her family. She enjoyed spending time relaxing outside their home and having meals and sunset cruises on their pontoon. She treasured trips abroad to Europe and Australia, as well as travels across the United States. In retirement, she found joy as a snowbird, enjoying Sudoku puzzles and Wordle/Connections in the warm Florida sunshine.

She is survived by her husband, Ray; daughter, Michelle and Michelle's boyfriend, Jeff Hager. She was preceded in death by her father, Leo; mother, Mildred; brother, Mark; beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins; and Grandpup Morgan.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN, from 2-4 pm, and Celebration of Life immediately following at 4 pm. Bring your favorite stories to share! Family burial will be held Friday in Oronoco, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Gift of Life Transplant House, 705 2nd Street SW, Rochester, MN, in Mary's honor.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Romon family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.