VINALHAVEN — Lida Louanne (York) Romer, 74, passed peacefully in the early morning of April 20, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Her daughter, Sheri, was with her, in her Vinalhaven home.

Born in Vinalhaven on May 25, 1942, she was the daughter of Donald Arthur and Sada Alice (Young) York. She was a member of the 1960 graduating class of Vinalhaven High School and went on to work at Tibbetts Industries in Camden. There she met co-worker Lorraine Young, who fast became a dear and loyal friend and remained so throughout the rest of her life. On Dec. 1, 1962, Lida married Lewis W. Romer Jr. and together they made their home on the island. They could be found, hand in hand, walking the streets and shores of the island throughout their 51-year marriage.

Lida was many things: a homemaker for several years while her children were young, a breakfast cook at Esther and Roy's Haven Restaurant, the owner-operator of the Gooey Wagon, where she made friends of strangers with whom she stayed connected over the years, and the What Not Shop where she sold her crafts and this and that. She enjoyed the early shift at Fishermen's Friend. She was a talented seamstress, both professionally and for her own pleasure. Her crocheted works are in the homes of many of her friends and family. She was an avid cribbage and card player and spent many hours competing at Tibb's long ago or with friends around her kitchen table. She enjoyed photography, calligraphy, and had a passion for genealogy and island history. She always had a project going and another in mind for the future.

She was baptized in the Union Church of Vinalhaven and regularly attended services both there and at the Pleasant River Chapel. She enjoyed the social gatherings at Eldercare and through the churches. She was fun, sassy and to the point; she was kind and generous, would always lend a hand or a word of encouragement. She loved to laugh and found joy in her family, friends and community.

Lida was predeceased by her beloved husband, Lew in 2014; their daughter, Shelly Lynn in 1968; and a brother, Arthur "Hogan" Preston York in 2016. She is survived by her daughter, Sheri Lynn Romer-Day and son-in-law, Jason A. Day, of Vinalhaven; and a son, William Lewis Romer of Rockland. She was a wonderful grandmother and affectionately known as "Nan" to Alexander Kirishi and Gabriel Serov Day. Her siblings were extremely close to her heart and in her daily life, regardless of distance, Stephen "Dreamy" York, Ladd York and his wife, Karen, of Vinalhaven, Esther Jean Baldwin of Camden, Edward "Punkin" York of Vinalhaven and Melinna Leach and her husband, Michael, of North Attleboro, Mass. She had several cousins, nieces and nephews and enjoyed staying in touch with all.

There will be a graveside service on Saturday, May 27, at 12:30 p.m. at Cummings Cemetery. The Rev. John Potter and Elder Robert Candage will officiate. A luncheon will follow at the Union Church. Donations in her honor may be made to Vinalhaven Eldercare Services, P.O. Box 624, Vinalhaven, ME 04863.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home