West Lebanon, NH - Mary Romano Gempka died Friday September 28, 2018 at home in West Lebanon.

Mrs. Gempka was born July 21, 1921 in White River Jct. VT a daughter of Sabino and Antoinette (Anzelone) Romano.

She graduated from Hartford High School class of 1939.  Mary
served in the Vermont National Guard as a Sergeant during World War II before beginning her career as treasurer and clerk at Twin State Electric in White River Jct. where she worked for thirty eight years. After retiring she worked part time in the Cash Room at J.C. Penney in West Lebanon. She was married to Edward Gempka for over thirty five years and they made their home in West Lebanon.  Edward died November 10, 2007.

Mary was a devoted member of her church as a member of St. Anthony's Church in White River Jct. where she belonged to the Catholic Daughters. She later was a member of Holy Redeemer in West Lebanon until they closed and then transferred to St. Denis in Hanover, NH.

Mrs. Gempka was the last surviving of nine daughters who include Sister Mary Assumpta, Olympia Romano, Lena Romano, Frances R. Jordan, Rose R. Mans, Antoinette Romano, Jessamena Orizzonto and Margaret Romano. After her mother died at a young age her father remarried Carmela Carboni and was thrilled to have two boys, Sabino Romano and Alfonso Romano who died in 1975 as well as another daughter, Violet McGahee.

She is survived by Sabino Romano and his wife Diane, of White River Jct.; five step children Carol Huber and her husband Bob and Edward, Charles, James and Susan Gempka; many precious caring and loving nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct. VT Wednesday October 3  from 9 to 10:30AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM at St. Denis church in Hanover with burial following in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St Denis Church 8 Sanborn Street, Hanover, NH 03755, http://www.saintdenisparish.org/ or VNH PO Box 881, Brattleboro, VT 05302 or https://donate.vnhcare.org/