Annette Gracia Romanek (nee Plante) April 5, 1924- October 16, 2021
Annette passed away peacefully at Pinecrest Home for the Aged She was survived by her daughter (albeit briefly) Janice (Ron), son Michael, granddaughter Reeva, and by nephews, nieces, and extended family. She was predeceased by her parents Alphonse and Emma Plante, her sister Lilianne, her brother Peter and by her husband, Leonard Romanek.
Born in St. Claude, Manitoba, she and her family moved to Kenora when she was 3 years of age. During the Depression era, the Plante family came to operate the bus depot and bus lines in the town. Mom would often recall her love of trigonometry in school, that she had skipped a grade and of the friendships she had during those difficult times in the 1930s and 1940s.
Mom ventured for the first time by herself from Kenora, graduating in Winnipeg with a junior stenographic diploma in 1941, and assumed her first position as a payroll clerk with the Ontario Minnesota Pulp and Paper Co. She established her passion for accounting which would remain with her for the entirety of her life. Annette eventually chose to co-manage her father’s business, and later after marriage, became owner-operator of Kenora Bus Depot and Restaurant with Len. For 25 years, seven days a week, beginning each morning at 4:30 a.m., they established a cornerstone business on Main Street while raising and providing for their two children throughout. In her free time mom liked to bowl and golf.
After selling the Greyhound franchise and restaurant in 1980, with the mentorship of Delores Gray, Annette focused her efforts on her beloved community, initially as a volunteer fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society in the initial year of Terry Fox’s run. Mom had such a great anticipation to welcome Terry to her community. This led her to municipal politics from 1982-1991 as a council member and deputy mayor. Her time in office saw the development of the harbourfront, the formation of the detox centre and efforts to advocate for seniors housing among other accomplishments. Mom would always say how much admiration she had for those who had voted for her.
Throughout this period and beyond if there was a municipal committee, there was a good chance Annette served on it. She was a past director of the Kenora Chamber of Commerce, a board member at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, past chairman of the Notre Dame Keewatin Credit Union and Northern Development Council. She was also a longtime member of the Catholic Women’s League. She continued bookkeeping after retirement, working for the Economic Development Commission and the Kenora Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation. Later she would become instrumental in developing programs for the Seniors Centre.
Annette was a kind, humble and dedicated being. Her Catholic faith and love for numbers were ever present. She was a financial wizard! Annette would be the first to tell you that she was shy but mom was active socially. Annette was a talented duplicate bridge player. She enjoyed her time at the camp on Lake of the Woods, spending many summer days in the 50 years the family owned it. At the age of 89, she became a grandmother and cared deeply for Reeva in the brief time they had together.
We would like to extend our appreciation to all the staff of Pinecrest Home for the Aged and Kenora District Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Alzheimer's Society. Annette lived an inspirational life. Her influence on those she touched and on her community will always be remembered.
A mass will be held for Annette at the Notre Dame Catholic Church on November 8th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. A private internment will follow at Lake of the Woods Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Romanek family.