Elizabeth Anne Parr Romano

Elizabeth Anne Parr Romano, who was known by her nickname of "Karla" all of her life, passed away peacefully at the age of 82, on May 21, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and companion of 50 years, Arthur "Arty" J Romano who went to the Lord in December of 2019. Both were long time residents of Daytona Beach.

She was born in Richlands, VA and, as a little girl, appeared on the Louisianna Hayride radio show singing alongside 'Grandpa Jones' who was a famous member of the Grand Ole Opry. She aspired to be an opera singer, though that dream did not come to fruition. She continued her love of music throughout her life and could be heard singing around the house. Later, she moved to New Orleans where she was a parole officer for a time and a server in French Quarter restaurants.

After coming to Daytona Beach some 50 years ago, she met Arty, who was a concessionaire and business owner of amusement games on Daytona Beach's Boardwalk aa well as with Blue Grass Shows (one of the largest traveling fairs in the country at the time). They traveled the country seasonally, spanning almost 30 years, with the show until retirement in the early 90s.

Never one to sit still for long, she worked in a hostess position at Starlite Diner near their home on the beachside of Daytona for many years.

She had a passion for cooking, cruising, dining out, and traveling. She shared stories of hang gliding & skydiving in her youth, and even bungee jumping once, in her later years, on the fairgrounds. She lived life on her own terms and had an extremely strong will.

Her greatest passions were family.  She and Arty had 3 grandchildren, 2 who resided in the Northeast and one, grandson, Alex, who lived close by. He played travel baseball, among other sports, growing up. She and Arty were at every game they could get to. She and Arty were the teams' "Nana & Papa", helping to support whatever sport and team he was a part of. In later years, "Nana", became a great-grandmother to Alex's 3 little girls, whom she loved dearly and doted on.

She is survived by - Stepdaughter and caregiver over the last many years, Karen Romano Adams (John), Edgewater, FL; grandson, Dorian Alexander Adams "Alex" & his daughters, Ansley, Eliana, & Alara, Palm Coast, FL; nephew, Bruce Woodfall, Daytona Beach, FL; niece, Mary Lou Daly, Athens, GA; grandson, Paul Romano & his children, Chloe & Clive, IL; granddaughter, Myra Romano, NY; as well as many other beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A private family gathering and memorial will take place at a later date

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