Mona Kay Romaine

Mona Kay Romaine (née Johnson), a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, Aunt, and advocate, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was 81 years old.

Born May 17, 1944, in Seattle, Washington, to William Ned Johnson and Mildred Lorna Saxton, Mona grew up with a passion for learning and creativity. She graduated from Ingraham High School in Seattle in 1962 before pursuing her nursing education at Shoreline Community College in Edmonds, Washington, where she earned her nursing degree as an RN and became a pediatric emergency room nurse.

Mona’s adventurous spirit led her to take a road trip with her best friend, Molly, where they traveled throughout the United States. On that trip, she met Howard, and she soon decided to make Louisiana her home.

After moving to Louisiana, her thirst for knowledge led her to LSU in Baton Rouge, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Fine Arts in 1981. She soon found her calling in the mental health field, where her dedication to improving others’ lives became evident. In 1983, she founded the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Baton Rouge, an organization that continues to make a profound impact. Mona’s leadership extended to various roles over the years: director at Parkland Hospital, administrator of the Behavioral Health Unit at Baton Rouge General, and psychiatric supervisor at Capital Home Health. She was also recognized with numerous awards for her excellence in nursing, including the "Who’s Who in American Nursing" award in 1991.

Mona shared her wealth of knowledge and experience by teaching future nurses as an instructor at Delta College for numerous years. Her passion for mental health advocacy was evident through her speeches, seminars, and published works. She inspired countless individuals with her commitment to care and education.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mona was deeply artistic and spiritual. She found joy and solace in painting with watercolors, drawing, gardening, and collecting rocks and seashells during trips to the beach—one of her favorite places. She sold her art at shows, and she shared it with friends and family. An active member of the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge, Mona served on the welcoming committee, in the Cakes Group, and the refreshment committee. Mona immensely enjoyed fellowship with her church family, and she embraced equality for all and cherished being part of this inclusive community.

Mona’s family and friends brought immense joy to her life, and her home was always open for family and friends. As Grandma and Gabba, she was actively involved with her four grandsons’ lives. She was a dedicated grandma who attended her grandsons’ activities and events and was a steady, loving presence. As an aunt, she was a steady source of support, always giving solid advice. She is survived by her brother, Doug Johnson; niece, Emmy Johnson; daughter, Molly Watts and husband, Jay Watts; grandsons, James and Owen Watts; stepdaughter, Rita Rakestraw and husband, Erich Rakestraw; and grandsons, Paul and Jack Rakestraw; Howard Romaine and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Romaine Waymer. She was predeceased by her parents, William Ned Johnson and Mildred Lorna Saxton.

Mona will be remembered as a caring soul who touched countless lives through her compassion, artistry, advocacy, and unwavering belief in equality. Her legacy lives on through those she loved and whose lives she enriched.

May Mona Kay Romaine’s memory bring comfort to all who knew her. A Memorial Service will be held on July 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge 8470 Goodwood Blvd. To honor Mona's life, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area.