Lasting Memories

Fran Rominger
Dec. 11, 1931-Jan. 19, 2026
Palo Alto, California

Mary Frances Rominger (Sickenberger), a devoted patron of the arts, loving and supportive wife and mother, and community volunteer, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born on December 11, 1931, in Manzanola, Colorado, Fran grew up with a deep appreciation for music that would shape her lifelong passions. She pursued her love for the piano as a music major at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she met the love of her life, Jack Rominger. The couple married in 1952 in Rocky Ford, Colorado, and embarked on 59 wonderful years of marriage filled with shared adventures — skiing numerous slopes both in the U.S. and Europe, hiking scenic trails, and traveling the world together. Though it was Jack who earned a degree in Architectural Engineering and established a private architectural firm, “Fran” was a worthy partner with an eye for function and utility in design. The couple’s Palo Alto home and Bear Valley cabin included multiple details that were ahead of their time, and their Bear Valley cabin earned a design award and feature article in Sunset magazine.

After settling in Palo Alto, California, in 1954, Fran became a cherished patron of the arts in San Francisco. She generously supported the SF Symphony, SF Opera, and SF Ballet, as well as the Bear Valley Music Festival. She spent countless summers with her children, grandchildren, and friends at the couple’s beloved Bear Valley cabin in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.

Equally committed to giving back to her local community, Fran’s volunteer work at Palo Alto’s Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden and at the Filoli historic house and garden brought her joy and allowed her to share her warmth and dedication with others. With grace and humor, she happily marched to her own drummer. She enthusiastically discussed travel, geography, and nutrition. She would gently correct one’s grammar, always explaining why, and was an expert seamstress who could create anything with needle and thread. She could excitedly identify the bird perched nearby. She loved bright colors and surrounded herself with them, and lived a bountiful, beautiful, and colorful life.

Her indomitable spirit saw her through many challenges, especially during her last several years living in assisted living. Despite this, she was always upbeat, cheerful, and without complaint.

Fran is survived by her two children, Thea Bella and Jan (Frank) Akers; three grandchildren, Max (Amanda) Rominger, Blair (Kyle) Akers Nicholas, and John Akers; and one great-granddaughter, Leighton Akers Nicholas. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack.

Fran’s legacy lives on through her family, her enduring support of the arts, the many lives she touched with grace, and her enthusiasm for life’s beauty—whether in a concert hall, a garden, or the hearts of those who knew her.

A private ceremony will be held this spring in Del Norte, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite music school, music charity, or the Bear Valley Music Festival.

She is deeply missed and will forever be fondly remembered.