Frances Rosemary Wyllie, known affectionately as Romy, passed away peacefully in her home in Pasadena, California, on June 25, 2025. She was 92 years old. Romy’s life was characterized by her unwavering spirit, deep commitment to family, and a passion for the arts, making her a prominent figure in her community and beyond.
Born on November 6, 1932, in Hull, England, Romy was the daughter of Robert and Frances Mary Blair and grew up with three brothers. She pursued her education at St. Andrews University, where she began to cultivate her interests in the arts. In 1956, she married Peter Wyllie in London, and shortly thereafter, the couple relocated to State College, Pennsylvania, where Peter took on a role as a professor of geology. The family eventually grew to include four children.
Romy’s journey as a mother was marked by both joy and heartache. Her first child, Andrew James, was born in 1958 and lived with Down syndrome until his passing in 2011. Tragically, her second child, Elizabeth Jean, died from cancer at just 18 months old in 1962. The couple later welcomed two more children, Lisa Margaret and John David, who went on to raise families of their own.
While supporting her husband’s academic career and nurturing her children, Romy developed her own professional identity as an interior designer and author. In 1974, she earned a degree in design in Chicago and subsequently founded her own interior design business, Intekton, in 1977. Her work was characterized by a distinct style and creativity that left a lasting impact on her clients.
Romy further showcased her dedication to architecture and community by co-founding the Caltech Architectural Tour Society (CATS) in Pasadena in 1985. This organization aimed to promote appreciation for architectural history, reflecting Romy’s lifelong passion for the arts and culture.
In her later years, Romy turned her attention to writing, publishing five books that included two focused on architectural history, two memoirs, and one monograph. Her literary contributions reflect her rich life experience and deep understanding of the world around her.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Romy was an avid tennis player, an art collector, and a dedicated gardener. She embraced an active lifestyle well into her 90s, participating in jazzercise and other fitness activities that kept her engaged and vibrant.
Romy is survived by her husband, Peter, two of her children, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, as well as numerous relatives in England. Her legacy lives on through her family and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey.
A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with a reception to follow at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, located at 25 E. Laurel Ave., Sierra Madre, California. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Romy’s life and contributions to her community.
