Mary Lou Age - 80 - Cuyamungue Romero

MARY LOU ROMERO of Cuyamungue passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her loved ones on November 27, 2012. She was born in Santa Fe on July 15, 1932. She grew up in a large, loving family on Cleveland Street, next door to aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmother, and other family. On February 19, 1955, she married Atanacio Romero – her soulmate and the love of her life. They were married for 57 years and lived a beautiful love story. The couple lived for 10 years in Los Alamos, and in 1965 relocated with their four children to rural Cuyamungue. For many years, Mary Lou cooked Sunday dinner every week for her extended family and whoever would show up. Family members near and far still cherish fond memories of those dinners and delightful conversations. She cared for her mother and her in-laws in her home until the end of their lives. She loved children and animals. She enjoyed sewing, and received many compliments on the exquisite ensembles she and Atanacio wore for dancing and occasions out. Mary Lou had a quick wit and liked to create laughter and lightness all around her. After retiring from the Museums of New Mexico, she started her own antique shop and had great fun scouting for unique antiques – some of which eventually were chosen to appear in movies. The couple traveled worldwide, and made a number of lifelong friends throughout their journeys to Spain, South and Central America, Hawaii, and many of the states. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary Ortiz; her sisters, Teresa Martinez and Beatrice Duran. She is survived by her loving husband, Atanacio; her brothers, George (Anita) Ortiz and Thomas “Tito” (Joann) Ortiz and brothers-in-law, Eddy Duran and Cirilo Martinez; her daughters, Cindy (Mark McNown) and Beatrice Romero; her sons, Joseph J. (Jeanette Alt-Romero) and Andrew (Gale); four grandchildren: Joaquin Romero (Melannie), Camila McNown (Robert), Nadalia and Lucas Romero; and great-grandchildren Jesus and Wreynna. She will also be missed by many dear nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Vista Care Hospice, Debbie Griego-Cardiel with the City of Santa Fe, and Meals on Wheels for their wonderful care in Mary Lou’s final days, as she and her family faced the growing challenges of dementia. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations sent to the Mary Lou Romero Memorial Fund in care of the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org We would love to hear your thoughts, feelings, or stories about Mary Lou. Please sign the guest book at DeVargas Funeral Home. Public visitation will be held on Monday, December 3, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Catholic Church in Pojoaque with a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. at Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Catholic Church in Pojoaque with burial to take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 11:15 a.m. The family of Mary Lou Romero has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477

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