Colette Virginia Romans, age 63, died peacefully in her sleep Sunday morning, May 27, 2012. Colette was a native of Queens, N.Y., who moved to Virginia in 1972.
Colette received her LPN license in 1974 from Riverside Hospital and RN in 1980 from Thomas Nelson Community College. She spent the next three decades working as a nurse. Colette worked tirelessly for her patients’ wellbeing. More than a few doctors claimed they performed better when she was around. During her career she worked at Riverside Regional, Mary Immaculate and Sentara Williamsburg Hospitals; she spent her last 20 plus years as an operating room surgical nurse.
Colette, a lifelong lover of animals, moved to Gloucester, Va. in 1981 to satisfy her desire to ride horses. She was a long-standing member of the Dragon Run Saddle Club and spent many happy weekends trail-riding in the mountains of Virginia. Colette had a great many pets and horses in her life, and they all prospered through her love and care.
Colette had to give up horseback riding about the time she left work. Late last year she had two total knee replacements. She was planning and working to get back on her beloved horses but just ran out of time.
Colette will be remembered for her huge heart, and relentless efforts, love and compassion to help all things great and small.
Colette is survived by her husband, Ladd; her children, Scott W. Vernon, Megan V. Vernon and David L. Romans, and her brother, Clifford Maenza of N.Y. Two beautiful granddaughters, Elise Noell Vernon and Emma Genevieve Vernon, blessed her life.
Services will be held on Thursday, May 31, at Andrews Funeral Home in Gloucester Court House. Viewing will be from 2-4 p.m. with a short service to follow. No graveside service will be held and all friends and family are invited to the Romans’ house.
The family has requested that donations be made to Dream Catchers of Williamsburg (http://www.dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org/), an organization long supported by Colette.
Arrangements were made by Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, Va.