When I was in my teens I began asking questions about my father's family, which was fairly small locally, and most of the preceding generation was dead. My dad had a wonderful soft-worn leather Bible from the 1850's with Romberger names in it that were so far back that he could not identify them, except through some guesses.

The last name is not too common, so I naively pulled out the phone book and called another local Romberger. Luckily for me, Jean Romberger picked up that phone.

This lovely lady appreciated my youthful curiosity and invited me to her home. She had done some fairly extensive genealogy and was willing to share and try to see if she could figure out where my dad's line fit in. We sat in the early summer sunshine on her patio and went over all her stuff and talked away an afternoon together. She was unsure where our line joined the tree she had. She had a guess which turned out to be wrong, but the point of the story is that this lady was open, kind and patient and willing to try to help. It is because of her generous spirit that I have been led to pursue the genealogy I have done, and been willing to try to help others with their family stories as well. To Jean M. Rowe Romberger I owe a debt I cannot repay.
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Jean M. Romberger wanted all her friends and relatives to know she has a new address! On Saturday, March 29, 2008, she moved from South Whitehall Township to a beautiful mansion in Heaven. Among those who greeted her upon her arrival amidst much fanfare and rejoicing were her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her loving husband, Richard E. Romberger and her sister, Wanda L. (Rowe) Kochenour.

Jean was 73 and was the daughter of the late Allen and Vera (Klinger) Rowe. She was a member of Cedar Church of Centronia.

Survivors: Her welcoming smile will be missed by those whom she loved the most, her daughter, Dr. Debra Romberger wife of Andy Brahm of Allentown; her son, Dwight Romberger husband of Karen Romberger of New Tripoli; her two sisters, Ruth Ann Hicks of Harrisburg and Carol Wertz of Lykens; her two brothers, Clyde Schreffler Jr. of The Dalles, Ore., and Christopher Rowe of Harrisburg; her three grandchildren, Lukas Wolfe, Ryan Brahm and Victoria Brahm of Allentown.

Services: A celebration of Jean's life will be held at Cedar Church, 3419 Broadway, Allentown on Saturday, April 5. Calling hour 1-2 p.m. followed by services in the church. Arrangements are by Weber Funeral Home, 1619 Hamilton St. Allentown. Online condolences can be made to www.weberfuneralhomes.com.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers and in gratitude for countless hours of patient, caring services, memorial donations may be made to Lehigh Valley Hospice/Home Care, 2166 South 12th St, Allentown, PA 18103.