April 29, 1929 – August 25, 2021
Alberta Rose Chromy, “Abby” passed peacefully and entered eternal life on August 25, 2021 in Coupeville, Washington, after a long and adventurous life. Abby was born on April 29, 1929 to parents Albert and Ina Sheffer, of Oneida, South Dakota. The eldest of four, she was soon joined by her sister Gervaise Kennedy, and brothers Maynard and Albert Sheffer. The family moved to Yakima, Washington where Abby’s formative years were spent among the apple trees on the family farm. After graduating from Yakima High School, Abby decided to go into nursing, graduating from Saint Elizabeth School of Nursing in 1950.
Abby juggled nursing, the Navy life, and raising five children (Victoria, Deborah, Christine, John, and Dana) with her former husband, Donald Forquer. The Navy took the family from Hawaii to Japan, complete with a crash landing on the Okinawa runway. After several years in Japan, they returned to the States by way of the high seas and a typhoon. The family lived in Oregon, Georgia, Virginia, and eventually settled on Whidbey Island, Washington where Abby and Donald finished raising their children. Abby continued to work as a nurse in Oak Harbor.
After seeing her children off to their many and diverse adventures all over the world, Abby fell in love and married John Chromy, a love that was deep but shortened by John’s too early passing. After retiring from her long and busy nursing career, Abby met and fell in love with John Fielding, settling into many happy years of boating in Puget Sound, walking Ebey’s Landing, and hosting their friends and family at Hill House. She remained very active in her church, Oak Harbor Lutheran, and served for decades as the church librarian and Parish Nurse. She loved volunteering, cooking and serving meals after services and at the Help House in Oak Harbor, Washington. Abby loved being a grandma to her many grandchildren and grandpets. She enjoyed visiting them all across the country and driving them all over the island several miles under the speed limit.
Abby is survived by her children Victoria Mena, Deborah Zeuge (Alan), John Forquer (Carolyn), and Dana Forquer (Sarena). She has eight grandchildren and many loved great-grandchildren, step grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Abby was preceded in death by her parents, siblings including infant sister Lucille, daughter Christine, son-in-law Philip, and many good friends.
The family would like to take this opportunity to praise Abby’s caregivers at HomePlace Special Care and Sandra Sargent, in their genuine care, support, guidance, and assistance during her last happy years on earth. We are profoundly humbled.
There will be a Celebration of Life on September 18 at 2 p.m. at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor, Washington where friends and family will gather to remember Abby and tell many stories, mostly true.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name can be made to the Help House, 1091SE Hathaway St, Oak Harbor, Washington (360)675-0681.
Messages for the family can be posted at https://www.wallinfuneralhome.com
