Obituary of Joyce Ethel O'Banion

Joyce O’Banion, the queen of sass and of our hearts, passed away on May 22nd surrounded by family. The daughter of Tom and Edith O’Banion, she graduated as Valedictorian in 1969 from Milwaukie High School then earned her college degree from Portland State University. After graduation, she married the love of her life, Mark Romanaggi, and they took over Joyce’s family home. She quickly rose through the ranks at work (Pacific Northwest Bell) and retired early to devote herself to her true passion: her nieces and nephews. Volunteering in classrooms, cheering wildly at recitals and sporting events, helping with homework, and leading “nerd family outings” then filled her days. Nieces and nephews begged for the chance to hang out with Aunt Joyce whenever they needed a babysitter (or even if they didn’t!). Her love for her family and friends was further shown through her constant thoughtfulness, whether it be sending cards and gifts every holiday, saving and treasuring every piece of artwork given to her, or shuttling cars full of crazy kids off to Seaside every spring and summer for beach vacations. Joyce also enjoyed traveling all over the world, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and a good crispy hash browns. She is survived by her husband of 37 years Mark Romanaggi, her flock of devoted nieces and nephews, her aunt Dickie Burror, and her four siblings: Karen (Paul) Nicholson of Camas, Jan O’Banion (Mark Dubose) of Alpine, Lee (Nancy) O’Banion of Gales Creek, and Lois (Bill) Costine of Happy Valley. She will be remembered as the “best aunt ever” and we already miss her salty wit, generosity, and warmth. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joyce’s memory to the Boys & Girls Club, the O'Banion Family Scholarship Fund at the Oregon Community Foundation, or a charity of your choice. Service Information