Christine Regina (Hay) Romero

On January 6, 2022, Christine Regina Romero (Hay), loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend passed away at the age of 50 after a difficult battle with cancer.

Christy was born on August 13,1971 in Albuquerque, NM to Richard G. "Dick" Hay and Judith M. (Rehberg) Hay. She received a bachelor's degree in social work from Pacific University in Oregon in 1993, followed a year later by a master's degree in education. She married Rick E. Romero in Algodones, NM on July 28, 2000, and with him lovingly raised two children, Amy and Alan, and three bonus children Chris, Christine, and Ben. She enjoyed being a part of the lives of bonus grandchildren Dylan, Madelyn, and Jordyn. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her family, her mother Judy, and her brother Jeffrey R. Hay. Her father Dick preceded her in death.

Christy was a career educator, teaching elementary students and providing professional development and program support to teachers. She worked in the Socorro, Rio Rancho, and Albuquerque school districts. Her passion to help children learn to read fueled Christy's desire to provide the best educational experiences for her students and teachers.

Christy loved the outdoors and exploring new camping areas and ancient ruins. She was happiest spending time with her family on the shores of Navajo Lake, at a family retreat on the Oregon Coast, and in the woods around Reserve, NM. Her bright eyes and ready, welcoming smile were an inspiration; she was a great friend to many. Her quiet ways, compassion, and kindness will be fondly remembered by family, friends, and work colleagues.

Christy's family will be holding a memorial service for her on the Oregon coast. A mass in her name will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows in Bernalillo, NM. In remembrance, donations may be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center at https://gifts.mdanderson.org/ (1-888-356-1563) in support of soft-tissue sarcoma research, or the APS Education Foundation at PO Box 25704, Albuquerque, NM 87125 in support of Storytime In The Park.

Christy's family would like to thank Mary and her Title 1 colleagues for their incredible support during this difficult time.