Astrid B. Kromayer was born Oct. 31, 1927, and died Feb. 19.  Astrid met her future husband, Peter, at East Orange NJ High School in the 10 ^th grade.  She went to Douglass College on a full scholarship, graduating in 1949. She then went to Brown University as a teaching assistant and earned an MA in Spanish language and literature in 1951.  She later earned a doctorate at Rutgers University in 1978.

She began teaching as an adjunct Spanish professor at Lehigh University in 1951 where she was one of the institution's first female instructors. After raising two daughters, she returned to teaching Spanish at Moravian Academy from 1958 to 1963 and continued her career at Moravian College, teaching both French and Spanish courses.  She retired in 1992 but not before her passion for her students and teaching were recognized when she won the Lindback Foundation award for distinguished teaching.

Although Astrid went to Douglass as an announced French major, Professor Marina Romero Serrano, her first Spanish professor, introduced her to Spanish language and culture, inspiring her to become a Spanish major.  This completely formed Astrid's entire academic career and life's work and demonstrated the great value of what a single excellent teacher can do for her students.  And this resulted in Astrid inspiring many devoted Spanish teachers in the Lehigh Valley and throughout the U.S.

The daughter of immigrants, Astrid grew up as a native Italian speaker, which contributed to her enthusiastic support for bilingual education. Upon her retirement she continued to consult in that field.  A lover of animals, she also spent many hours helping homeless animals at Animals in Distress.

Visits with their two daughters, Annette and Vige, were always a high point for her.

Her family would like to express their special thanks for the caregivers of Moravian Village most especially Rob and chaplain Molly and special friends Joanne and Holly.

Survivors: Husband Peter H. Kromayer, daughters Annette Bonner and husband Greg, Vige Barrie and husband Jim Frederick, sister-in-law Ursula Roberts and husband Tom, and nephew Tom Roberts.

Services: a memorial Service will be announced to be held in April.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions in Astrid's memory may be made to the no-kill sanctuary Animals in Distress, PO Box 609, Coopersburg, PA 18036 or to Moravian College, 1200 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18017.