Happy Birthday, Mom.   Love you. Always.
I didn't write here last year, or on your deathday, either.
Now, on what would be your 92nd birthday (Sh!! Under threat, I'm never supposed to tell!  ;-)), I wanted to share with all your friends and family a bit of your last-days story.
You were amazing. You had always told me, "Kim, I just hope I can go to sleep and not wake up." Though there were surprises, blessings, and wallops along the way, and it took a bit longer than you'd planned, you did just that. Congrats, Mom. Never leaving the independence of your own home, you were able to heed "The Man Upstairs" calling to, "Come Home" in a timely and graceful way (OK, maybe also with some randomness, and some raucous asides [I'm grinning at you, Mom]).
You died as you lived. With verve. With intention. With Faith. With Love.
Thank you. For a lifetime of You. --Kim

It's been a year and a bit since our Mom left us. We, her "kiddos," want you to know: she enjoyed you all so much. For twenty plus years her morning ritual was to get up at 4:30, make a "pot of" coffee, organize according to her magic Dates spiral notebook, drink more coffee, maybe turn on the heater--probably not, write special occasion cards to you (with the date to send under where the stamp would go), all the while drinking more coffee. Later every morning, off she would go, driving her city of Upper Lake loop, being sure to drop a bundle at the post office. Every afternoon she drove just under a mile to pick up mail at her rural mailbox. Her connections with you all enlivened her days.

Miss you mom! Here's to the 1 year anniversary of your passing. Took your ashes to your fav places today. Thank you, Grandma Mike and Unc Chuck for crow-barring me out of my stuckness. Sometimes it takes a forest fire burning everything you own to do it. Thanks for giving me the gift of gratitude. It finally took root and even comes with ease. Thanks for the advice to care for myself. And thanks for the incredible sunsets. You guys out did yourselves!

I knew Peggie since I was a young girl starting high school. She and my dad, Ken Ingraham were teachers at Novato High. She and I bonded from day one, same sense of humor and orneriness !!!! She was one of the most thoughtful and loving women I have ever known, so strong in spirit, she is surely missed, a true blessing to have known her! Loved her laugh, we could get that party started always!

15 years ago this incredibly tough, call it like she sees it, you know where you stand with her, formidable woman came into my financial planning office. I immediately liked her and we forged not only a business relationship but also a friendship. Over the years, we spent hours talking and I loved hearing stories of her love of track and field, the Olympics, adventures in teaching, her family, and the importance of enjoying the beauty around her. She was tough as nails and believed without a shadow of a doubt if you're going to do something do it right. Even to the point of going out every morning and hand turning over hundreds of bales of hay in the field so they wouldn't get moldy before they could be picked up. One of my favorite Peggie stories came to be many, many years ago when we started creating a quarterly newsletter to send out to our clients. She called me one day after receiving it to let me know that she had found a spelling error in the newsletter and that we really needed to do a better job editing our documents before sending it out. Well, I had learned to always be on my toes with Peggie so in a quick thinking fashion, I responded to her "well congratulations Peggie! You, um, won the contest for this quarter in that you...um... were the first one to call in with the blooper that we, um, intentionally put into the newsletter!" I don't think she was totally convinced but we did send her a gift certificate for lunch at a local restaurant. There was born our quarterly newsletter blooper contest that still runs today (and yes, she called in every quarter like clockwork :-)) Peggie lived her life with a sense of humor, never took herself seriously, wouldn't hesitate to call you on your stuff but also wouldn't hesitate to give you the shirt off her back but most importantly in my opinion - walked her path with a grace and class that we all can only aspire to. She is missed so much but I am thankful that she was in my world - the lessons I've learned from her over the years will stick with me a lifetime and for that I'm eternally grateful!

I was so sorry to hear of Mrs. Rombach's passing. Every Christmas, her's was the first card I would receive. How I will miss that. Mrs. Rombach was my PE teacher, mentor and friend. She was always fair, firm and compassionate. She would push all of us to try a little harder and we would. She was always professional and kind. I think of her often and will continue to think of her example for the rest of my life. Much love to her and her family.

Peggie Rombach was one of those constants in my life. I have known her since the day I was born. Peggie was one of my first visitors when my parents brought me home and she has always kept in touch with me. I always received a birthday card and anniversary card every year. She was a blessing to me and I will never forget her.

I first met Peg in the late 1950's. I was a student at San Francisco State. Peg was an instructor at the college. Fast Forward to 1960, I was teaching at Novato High School. Peg was teaching at Hill Middle School in Novato.
In 1966/67 Peg joined our staff in the Physical Education Dept. at Novato High. For the next 20+ years, we taught together as well as coached our Girls volleyball & gymnastic teams
I can honestly say at no time during our many teaching years did we have an argument. At times, we had disagreements but always talked them through. It was a pleasure to go to work. Peg was a wonderful, caring plus a fantastic teacher. She was always looking out for the other person.
One morning I remember walking into our office and heard Baa Baa sounds coming from our dressing room. Peg had brought a new born lamb to school. After loosing his mother, the little guy has a shaky start. At work, Peg bottle fed him through out the school day. As word got around campus, we had many students visit the lamb.
I certainly remember my friend's special manner of making adjustments to her eye glasses! During some school meetings there were times when somewhat controversial changes would be suggested by the powers that be. I would look over at Peg, who offered that great big smile. Then she would adjust her glasses. I got the message on what Peg thought!
Peg was not only a great asset to our P.E. Dept, she assisted the total Novato High Faculty. When other faculty members had challenging problems or concerns, they would go to Peg. In turn she would go to the Administration on their behalf. The problems would be worked out.
Peg was a wonderful friend, coworker and one amazing Christmas fudge and Persimmon Pudding Cake maker! She was a pleasure to have as a part of my life.


  
 

I was lucky enough to have your mother as my PE teacher at Marin Catholic from 1954-1958. She took a shy, awkward girl who didn't like sports, and by the force of her personality and love of teaching, turned her into a lifelong "jock". She ran a" tight ship", and we loved her for it! Tell Mrs. R you didn't like a game or didn't want to play...NEVER!!! Appear for roll call out of uniform? Wrong socks? NEVER! Later when she and I both taught in Novato, I would think of her as I led the class in their warm up drills, and smile. Thank you, Peggie, for affecting the course of my life in the most positive way imaginable!

The years from 1950 to 1956 Mrs. Rombach was my teacher and mentor. Peggie gave me the future of my life. Coming from a family of 10 brothers & sisters and being child #8 I felt like I was always being pushed to the back of the line. I loved sports and you “found” me and I moved to the head of that line. You gave me the confidence and strength to play, play play. You kept in touch throughout the years and I will miss you. I felt honored that you allowed me to watch Kim when you lived in Larkspur. Thank you Peg for sharing your life with the Marin Catholic HS Class of 1950-1954 - the first full class to graduate after 4 years. My twin sister Lucile Kortuem Payton sadly passed away in July 2019. Please give her a hug from me.
Cecile Kortuem Tescallo

This tribute is from Coach Al Scott and Linda Kay Scott. Coach has known Peggie since 1964 and holds many wonderful memories of their teaching time together! Al says, "Peggie had her hands full, with trying to keep himself and Jerry Colletto in line!" Peggie came into my life in 1974, as our neighbor on Christopher ct. in Novato. I too, have many wonderful memories of her friendship and warm hugs! We enjoyed her many birthday cards over the years. Rest in peace dear Peggie, with much love from us.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/179598658771502/2426250640772948/?comment_id=3206256119439059&notif_id=1591150044830772&notif_t=group_comment_reply

You may want to look on Facebook at the Novato High classes of 1970's to see comments of the students who loved and respected her.

Peg was my Gymnastics coach since I was probably 10. I would work out with the high school team. Every Christmas she would take me to Sacremento for a Gymnastics clinic.  Finally I got to High School. I broke my leg vaulting 1976. She always stood at the Vault. My Dad is also 90. They were good friends and he trusted Her to take care of me. I loved her!!!!  All my Aloha
CRISSY QUEBATAY (OLSEN)

I met Peggie when she joined Clearlake Road Riders. I thank Chuck Gillingham for having her as his passenger because otherwise I would have missed the opportunity to have this awesome woman in my life.

Always helping. Always fun to be with. I learned so much from her.

I so enjoyed listening to her talk about her life. . .never bragging about the things I see here.

I remember when she had cataract surgery and she shared that she found a 2 inch hair on her thigh and had I noticed it when we'd been swimming! (She'd not be happy I shared that!)

She was my friend and I shall miss her.

My mom (Barbara Martin Thompson) went to school with Peggie & remained lifelong friends with her. We would see her occasionally at my grandparents home, the last time was several years ago. She was always one of the nicest people I knew. She NEVER missed sending me a birthday card, even up thru my high school years. It was so nice to read so many fun things about her, tho I wasn’t surprised at all!! To the family & closest friends; I am so sorry for your loss. Thankfully she lived a very full life. She was as nice & as happy & she was beautiful. My condolences,  Renee Katches

The world has lost one of the most amazing women I've ever met. Peggie Rombach was in every sense of the word A FORCE TO RECKON WITH.. Peg and I met when my husband and I went to Witter Springs to buy hay. Rarely do I meet a person (especially another woman) who I instantly connect with. Peg was one of those rare people. With a handshake and steady eye contact, one knew EXACTLY who they were dealing with. I so enjoyed our visits when we came to Lake County for hay!! A welcome and interesting get together each time. Peg NEVER forgot to send me a birthday and Christmas card, and I loved getting that Christmas letter once she moved to Ashland. I will miss that great smile and warm hug. 

My wife Shirley died Jan 19 1919. Shirley and I loved to get together with Peg at our Tamalpais H.S. reunions. There were several but the last one at Dear Park in Farfax was the best. This is such a great tribute I thank the family for their creativity.

Mrs. R….too much to say, too little space to capture her big spirit. Phys Ed Teacher extraordinaire. My four years experiencing her teaching and coaching in various sports was pure joy. I have often wondered how many times over the years her body had been bombarded by young women flying haphazardly over the gymnastics vault, or uneven parallel bars. Ouch! And, did she get as sick of the mustard yellow gym suits we had to wear (1966-70) as we were? How many complaints from those of us stuck with first period swimming and the resulting hair disasters? She could be no nonsense but she was always fair. She set parameters of behavior and class expectations, treated everyone fairly and was patient with those who were PE challenged.  How many cards did she send over the years to former students? I think she kept Current in business and the USPS!  I have great respect for Mrs. R and confess to always being a little jealous of Kim for being better than I was on the trampoline. (Dianne Lamb)

Where to start? Such memories of Mrs Rombach. I will pick one particular memory. I remember with mixed emotions our yellow gym socks. We were expected to have our initials on the socks and wear them EVERY day! My friends always thought it was hilarious to hide mine. For each day i was without my yellow socks I got a mark in her grade book.   Well eventually I had so many marks that my grade was descending and descending until she said , " you know Melodie you are getting a D on your card." Magically every Friday they appeared at the end of PE. i took them home to be washed and Monday brought the start of the lost socks.
Report cards came and I got an F! Not only was it an F it was a RED F!
My parents were beside themselves! "Your brothers went to MC and never, never did they get an F!" My other grades were very good if I do say so myself>
When I asked her why a RED F she said , " Oh you were way beyond just an F . i decided to make it red!"
I finally wised up and kept several pairs of yellow socksmin my book locker.
I loved Mrs Rombach and knew it was the beginning of the Christmas season when her card arrived. The first year it didnt come I knew all was not well.
I treasure that Sandy Rosso and I visited her in Lake County. We had a wonderful, treasured visit.
She was such an important part of my MC years. I will miss knowing she is not in this world. RIP .
PS I have not worn a pair of yellow socks since 1960!

What an amazing and beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman! I was one of the many girls during the 50's and 60's at Marin Catholic who were fortunate enough to have Mrs. R. as an influence in our lives. Not only did I have her as my PE teacher, but also for the volleyball and basketball teams. Whenever we'd have an away game, we'd all want to ride with Mrs. R. On our return, we'd all meet at King Cotton for a celebratory snack. Another fond memory was bowling at the old Marin Bowl. She was so much more than a teacher. I was lucky enough to be invited to her house where I met Kim and Kit and later even held Rex as an infant. In the ensuing years, besides keeping up with birthday cards, Kathy S. and I would try to meet her for lunch on her birthday. I was fortunate enough to have accompanied Kathy to visit her and Kim in Ashland about a year and a half ago. Oh so many happy memories, your mom, Mrs. R, Peg, will always reside in my heart!

Ever a shining light in my life. Peggie met me in 8th grade when she substituted. What a shock when I got to Marin Catholic and she greeted me by name. My life was never the same... my mentor, my cheer leader, my FRIEND.

What a beautiful tribute! I got to know your Mom really through Kim and Rex, pictures, stories and glimmers of her when she would be present. I saw a bit of the classy and smart-assy :) in her final months. This tribute made me cry, smile, say WoW look at those legs! Love, laughter, moxie (is that even still a word?), smarts, dedication to family - it is all here. Thank you for allowing me to be a tiny part of her life and yours.