Romayne Neumann, 75, of Aurora, an accomplished watercolorist who also was a summer stock theater performer for several years in Door County, Wis., died Sunday, Jan. 12, in her home, from heart failure. Born and raised in Batavia, Mrs. Neumann spent nearly every summer since 1937 at her family’s vacation home in Door County on Eagle Harbor in Ephraim, Wis. A member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, she graduated from Lake Forest College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in theater arts and psychology. After college, she spent three years performing in summer stock theater with the Door County Peninsula Players’ Theater in Fish Creek, Wis. In 1951, she married John H. Neumann, her husband of 51 years, and the couple made their home in Aurora. Family members said that even while raising a family, Mrs. Neumann’s love of the theater continued as she designed costumes, did face makeup and acted in and directed numerous stage presentations for the Junior Women’s Club in Aurora, for which she was a co-founder and held several offices. Her playfulness showed through in her performances of characters such as, Dopey from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the Cowardly Lion from “The Wizard of Oz.” She also was an active member and officer of the Child Welfare Society. Known for her beautiful watercolor paintings, Mrs. Neumann took art courses at Northern Illinois University, Aurora College and The Clearing in Door County. She also studied under the direction of local artist Ruth Van Sickle Ford for many years. Family members said her paintings have been purchased for corporate display by local businesses such as Dreyer Medical Clinic and The Old Second Bank of Aurora. Her memberships in the art community include the Aurora Art League, the Naples Art League in Naples, Fla., and the Door County Art League. Mrs. Neumann and her husband, John, were founding members of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Aurora. They eventually became members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Aurora, where she enjoyed singing alto, and eventually tenor, in the church choir for 25 years. Mrs. Neumann also is survived by a son, James; a daughter, Linda Miller; a sister, Margaret Torreano; and five grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in The Healy Chapel, 370 Division Drive, Sugar Grove. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Friday in Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 N. Edgelawn St., Aurora.
