Lillian Romero Lopez

Lillian R. Lopez, age 88, from Rodarte, NM, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, surrounded by her family.  Her precious smile and gentle nod said goodbye as she slipped into a deep sleep and peacefully departed.  Her granddaughters, Nicole Lopez and Destiny Valdez, must have been waiting happily to greet their grandma into the gates of Heaven.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, Amarante and Anita Romero; her brothers, John and Felix Romero; sisters, Angelina Arguello, Loren Pacheco, and Lynda Franco; her husband, Celestino Lopez, father of her five older children; Frank Rodarte, father of her four younger children; and Rosinaldo Cordova.

Lillian is survived by her nine children, Anna Martinez (Fabian), Harold Lopez (Christine), Vivian Martinez (Ken), Juan Lopez, Roy Lopez (Natalie), Joe Rodarte (Alicia), Frank Rodarte (Rachel), Lupita Rodarte, and Michelle Rodarte; her siblings, Amarante (Tito) Romero, Nelson Romero (Esther), Mary Garcia, Patsy Roybal (Pat); 24 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Lillian was born and raised in Llano Largo.  She married Celestino Lopez and moved to Chamisal, NM. After he passed away, she moved to Rodarte where she met Frank Rodarte.  Lillian devoted her life to bringing up her nine children with a firm hand, love, and hard work.  Her devotion to her Santo Nino, La Virgencita, and her Rosario, helped lead her way to a life full of love, trials, and errors.  She loved sharing her knowledge, hard work, and great apple pies with her family and friends.  She never hesitated to help strangers in need. During her later years, she met Ross Cordova, whom she spent over 38 years with.

The family is especially grateful to Hospice of New Mexico for their loving care of Lillian and her family. Special thanks to Claudette Romero, Lillian’s granddaughter, for coordinating her care with Hospice.

Serving as Pallbearers are her sons, Harold Lopez, Roy Lopez, Juan Lopez, Joe Rodarte, and Frank Rodarte.

Due to COVID-19, private Services will be held for family members only. If seating allows, a special invitation will be sent by the family.