Lydia Romero

"Well done good and faithful servant, well done!"

Lydia, age 98, died on May 25, 2018 at Hannett House Assisted Living Facility, where she received excellent and compassionate end of life care. Aunt Lydia was born on February 29, 1920 to Francisco and Lupita Martinez in San Marcial, NM. The family moved to Albuquerque in 1929 after the town of San Marcial was destroyed by a flood.

Lydia was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Rosalie Hernandez, six brothers: Chris, Gil, Procopio, Tony, Pete, and Frank Jr. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Victor Valerio of Ranchos de Taos, NM, to whom she was married for approximately 20 years.

Lydia is survived by her husband of 25 years, Orlando Romero, and her last remaining sibling Mel Martinez.

Lydia’s long life consisted of many defining moments that shaped the wonderful person she is. For approximately 20 years, she was known as Sister Maria Gracia, a Dominican Sister, whose motherhouse was in Grand Rapids, MI. Sister Maria Gracia loved teaching children and continued teaching children even after leaving the convent. A lifelong parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Aunt Lydia and Uncle Orlando set a stellar example of “intentional discipleship” by actively leading or supporting numerous parish and Archdiocesan ministries. They received the prestigious Archbishop’s Saint Francis of Assisi Award that recognizes lay volunteers who are role models in their service and love for our Catholic Church.

Aunt Lydia will always be dearly loved and admired for her enthusiasm in spreading the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ, for her spiritual motherhood to all her extended family, and for preparing countless numbers of young people to receive their sacraments. It was the greatest joy of her life to hold our babies and play with our children, hug and remind us how much Jesus loved us. She often blessed us and asked us to bless her in return.

In sum, Aunt Lydia was the “Mother Teresa” of our family who saw the face of Jesus in everyone she met.

All funeral services will be conducted in Albuquerque, NM, St. Francis Xavier Church, 820 Broadway Blvd. SE as follow: June 1, Friday: Visitation and Viewing will be held at 5:30 p.m.; and the Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. presided by Deacon Andy Chavez, Emeritus.

June 2, Saturday: the Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. presided by Monsignor Richard Olona.  Interment will be held following the funeral Mass at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 900 Edith NE. Reception will be held following internment at the St. Francis Xavier parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lydia Romero Memorial Fund in support of St. Francis Xavier Church, 820 Broadway Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102.