Romona I. Halpenny

Romona I. Halpenny, 92, of Omaha, Nebraska, formerly of Fontanelle, died Jan. 11, 2023, in Omaha. Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 at the West Center Chapel in Omaha, followed by a 7 p.m. vigil service. A Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18 at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific Street, Omaha, with burial and lunch to follow.

The family requests any donations be directed to the Nebraska Humane Society, St. Robert Bellarmine parish or a charity of the donor’s choosing.

Romona Ida (Gruber) Halpenny was born May 13, 1930, the second of five daughters to Oscar and Julia (Feick) Gruber in Fontanelle. She lettered in basketball, played clarinet in the school band and graduated from Fontanelle High School as the valedictorian of the class of 1947. She completed secretarial studies in Omaha and worked for the National Park Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where she received the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service. Romona was married to William “Bill” Halpenny from 1957 until his death in 2010.

Romona was a gardener, cook, baker, book reader and power walker in the Deer Ridge neighborhood for many years. She and Bill enjoyed lifelong friendships, many holidays and trips to the Ozarks with Eleanor and Ernie Archer and Lois and Bill Bruning. She took a keen interest in her children’s activities, friends and travels throughout their lives.

Preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Rowena Johnson and Shirley Mangels; relatives: Russ Johnson, Bill Mooneyham, Bill Overmyer, Bob McVay, Bob and Betty Halpenny, Jack and Betty Halpenny, Dick Halpenny, Christopher Killip, Nancy Winkelmann, Jenny Mangels and Pat McVay and many friends.

She is survived by four children: Mary Halpenny-Killip of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Thomas Halpenny of Omaha, James Halpenny of Denver, Colorado and Barbara Halpenny of Somerville, Massachusetts; two grandchildren, Joshua Halpenny-Nguyen of New York City, New York, and Lucy Halpenny of Somerville; two sisters, Marilyn Overmyer and Marlene McVay; sister-in-law, Bonnie Halpenny; brother-in-law, Wayne Mangels; numerous nieces; nephews and cousins.

The family thanks the staff of Brookestone Village for superb and compassionate care.