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Former VI First Lady Mrs Lillian A. ‘Lily’ Romney passes

- She was the wife of the late Chief Minister Cyril B. Romney
Former Virgin Islands First Lady, Mrs Lillian A. Romney, affectionately known as ‘Lily’, passed away today Saturday September 30, 2017 at a medical facility in Florida, USA. Photo: Facebook
The late Mrs Lillian A. Romney was the wife of the former Chief Minister Cyril B. Romney, who died in 2007. Photo: VINO/File
The late Mrs Lillian A. Romney was the wife of the former Chief Minister Cyril B. Romney, who died in 2007. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Word reaching our newsroom is that former First Lady and Virgin Islander Mrs Lillian A. Romney, affectionately known as ‘Lily’, passed away today Saturday September 30, 2017 at a medical facility in Florida, USA after being ill for some time.

She was 79, having been born on July 26, 1938.

The passing was confirmed to our newsroom this evening by her youngest daughter, Ms Patricia M. Romney.

The late Mrs Romney, a businesswoman in her own right and known for her style, elegance and sophistication, was always by her husband’s side, the former Chief Minister Cyril B. Romney, who died in 2007.

The people’s First Lady, a pioneer

The deceased served with grace as the Territory’s Third First Lady from 1983 to 1986 and was a great positive influence with her husband's long civil servant, political and business careers.

As First Lady she raised the bar on official entertainment and culture and made the Virgin Islands proud with her inviting smile, wit and energy.

As a businesswoman she was also a pioneer, being one of the first local women to own and run a business, Travel Plan Ltd., and was at the forefront of many of the businesses of the Romney Group of Companies- ROMASCO.

One of her greatest contributions to the Virgin Islands was the raising of her 5 talented daughters who survived her, all educated and successful businesswomen. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online extend our sincere condolences to Mrs Lillian A. Romney’s immediate family and other loved ones.

10 Responses to “Former VI First Lady Mrs Lillian A. ‘Lily’ Romney passes”

  • ... (30/09/2017, 19:10) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    a great women of class RIP
  • Andrew Cox Sr (30/09/2017, 21:05) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    WoW: to all the children be of good courage: I will personally will miss Mrs Romney; alomst 50 years of interaction with the Family members: September will be a member month of great memories for some of us: hurricane Irma and the passing of great pioneers within our community: God knows best we all just have to stay strong
  • gkefkkdakxq (30/09/2017, 21:25) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    One of us she will be missed, bye until we meet again
  • Clay Pickering (01/10/2017, 04:26) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lily, may God hold you close and your light shine bright now that you are with your husband Cyril. You were my second mother and was always there when I needed you. You have brought up five beautiful daughters who I call my sisters. I shall mourn you as family and friends will do the same. But, know this, Lily. I shall celebrate your life with those who loved you and light a candle in your memory. Eternal Love, Clay
  • voter (01/10/2017, 09:38) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    One of the best first ladies ever she walked alongside Cyril and not in front if hin like some First Ladies.

    Lily was the real essasants of a women RIP
    • overseas (01/10/2017, 15:21) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      behave only one other first lady runs the show with her husband. RIP Lily you were a gem and will be missed. Hope the 5 girls keep strong
  • Liat 521 (01/10/2017, 16:19) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    RIP a nice lady with a sweet smile
  • usa (02/10/2017, 07:01) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    My condolences to patti Roxie and the rest your mom is with the lord
  • Tafari Zharr (03/10/2017, 22:35) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    An Attractive, Artistic, Aristocrat! Ain't Nothing Wrong with Dat: Lily was beautiful in the dawn, during the day time ALWAYS graceful, and at dusk she shined like a bright light in the evening. Never dimming anyone's light, Lily Romney was not by any means simply just married to "CB" as he was affectionately called. A virtuoso ahead of her time: a culturally enlightening bright star, she was: confident, careful, and poised in an elegance that is truly memorable of "Caroline Kennedy" era! But that "troubling" smile: always so gentle and kind, but always questioning! She had a way of questioning you without saying a word. Albeit, she commanded her own essence: the perception of her own presence - that she would not be seen other than how she saw herself - "prognosticating" quite a noble quality for a lady of humble distinction who never let anyone see her sweat. Yet her life seemed surreal: Did she live happily after in "the prince and I" did we as BVI people honor her enough so that she now owns her own fairy-tale moment? Lily was as magnetic to be around as much as she was magnificent in her art of diplomacy, and her love for artistry. You see I look back at her civic involvement: she was always dashing, yet had a step in her glide throughout the community, and in a few of the offices I don't ever recall that she walked. I encountered her on many of the walks she loves to take but that's different). Lily made majestic entrances: unannounced, unapologetic, and unforgettable entrances (without a wand) but it sure felt like she had one except she would be smiling and carrying an imaginary big wand - to me; but I was so young and unsure of myself) She walked tall and carried her head high and proud - that's all! Yet I like to believe she owned a tiara. Seriously, I never met anyone that beautiful and that strong who was just "alright" to honor commitment to love, to marriage, to family, and to her country. If "CB" built a business: she was "there", "my boss: he called her" if anyone made any one greater, it was her, Lily made "CB" a good spouse, a better man for the people by the people, and gave Tortola some of the best attributes to admire about family before exposure to cable TV and the Cosby’s (and great parties). Not that there were no other families (because there are so many great families of the BVI) Yet, certainly I know I am not the only "child" to have "admired the Romneys": Lily did that! She immersed herself in the dreams and status of her family, friends, extended family, residents, employees, and rallied around others whom she gleefully "adopted" just because her kids or civic duty brought them home to her: An emblem of what true hospitality looks like: It began at her home way before the workplace and her civic duty was far reaching and unconditional.

    Lily was "Lovely" and she became the rule and the measure of the man "CB" whose legacy we revere: the joys of her commitment which she sometimes shyly displayed to everyone regardless if she knew you, and her contributions to civics, culture, and social affairs is unimaginable, forthright, and unwavering: An array of delight - BVI take note: Mrs. Lily is so deserving of that tiara - it's never too late! RIP Condolences to the family and to the country - another loss for the Era, Gone too soon! To my childhood friends (Girls: We are so sorry)


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