Barbara Romanick

Barbara Romanick. 87, Bismarck, ND, formerly of Washburn, ND, died peacefully and unexpectedly on September 7, 2015. A Requiem Divine Liturgy will be held at 10:30 am on Friday at St Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Wilton, ND, with Father George Pryus officiating. Barbara requested her body be donated to the UND School of Medicine so burial at the Veterans Cemetery will be held at a later date. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00-7:00 at Parkway Funeral Service 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Visitation will continue Friday one hour prior to service at the church.Barbara was born on January 21, 1928 in London, England, the daughter of Edward & Claire (Wheatley) Pilgrim. She was born, raised, and educated in England. During World War II she was very proud to serve in the British Land Army, serving as a farm laborer to take the place of men who served in the British Armed Services.On April 3, 1946, Barbara married John Romanick, who was an American GI, serving in London, England. After a year in Germany the couple moved to the United Sates. Barbara and John spent several years in Boulder, Co, San Antonio, TX and Wilton, ND. The couple then settled in Washburn made they made their home from 1955-2013. Most recently their home was in Bismarck, ND at Touchmark and Missouri Slope Care Center. Even though Barbara became a US citizen shortly after her arrival in the US, she remained very proud of her British heritage. She was an active member of a British Women's Club up until her death. She traveled numerous times back to her home in England with John, her children, and grandchildren showing them the sights. She waved her British flag proudly, always served a proper cup of English tea, and made sure each Christmas that her family had English Christmas crackers as part of the festivities. Barbara was very active in the Washburn American Legion Auxiliary and her church. Her lifework was her family. While John was building his law practice and working as the McLean County State's Attorney, Barbara worked as his secretary. She also kept her husband's Ukrainian heritage alive by preparing traditional Ukrainian foods such as baba, borscht, and pierogies. Her family and friends were treated to her wonderful scones, ginger snaps, apple bars and there was always a pot of tea to share. Barbara delighted in remembering every family member and friend's birthday and anniversary by showering each with a thoughtful gift. She was also a voracious knitter and all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren were baptized in a knitted item made lovingly by Barbara. One of her most special qualities was always thinking and caring for others. Barbara is survived by her husband of 69 years, John, and her children, Lesley(John) Phillips, Peter Charles(Tanny) Romanick, Mark(Lolita) Romanick and Bruce(Roxane) Romanick; as well as 12 grandchildren, Heather(Chris) Lundeen, Brad(Sarah) Phillips, Aaron(Yuko) Romanick, Lindsay(Michael) Presteng, Maria Romanick, Nicholas Romanick, Laurissa Romanick, Catherine Ann Romanick, Elizabeth Romanick, Gavin Romanick, Peter Romanick and Mary Grace Romanick; as well as 7 great grandchildren, Conner, Olivia, Logan, Christian, Chloe, Jordan and Abigail. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Doreen, and an infant son, John. Barbara was a very independent and loving woman who will be missed by all who knew and loved her. The family has requested that donations be sent to Designer Genes of North Dakota, Washburn American Legion Auxiliary, or St Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Wilton.