Maria Romero

Maria Elena (Nena) Romero passed away peacefully at home on May 16, 2021 surrounded by family. Nena was born to Ruby and Joe A Romero, she was raised by Ruby and her beloved grandfather Enrique.

She was born on Santa Fe Fiesta weekend in 1951. Until Nena was seven years old, her belief was that the fiesta celebration was in honor of her birthday. That began a lifelong mission of Nena’s, to ensure that everyone had a happy birthday with a call, card, or a gift.

Living in the Pojoaque Valley, Nena attended Nambe Elementary and Pojoaque High School. While in high school Nena developed an interest in English and Math that would follow her through her academic years. Nena finished second in her graduating class, which was a great source of pride to her mother, grandfather, and brothers Orlando and John. She received a full paid scholarship to UNM, however, Nena gave up this opportunity to stay home in Nambe and care for her mother until she passed. Three weeks after the services for her mother Ruby, Nena enrolled in the College of Santa Fe, majoring in English and a minor in Math. It was in November of 1969 that Nena met her future husband on a trip to the Piggly Wiggly, a grocery store across from the College on Cerrillos Road. In July of 1975, she married Vincent Nasca, who has loved, cherished, and cared for her every day since.

Nena worked for a number of New Mexico State Agencies, and retired after 26 years. She always found purpose and pride in her work, building wonderful relationships with all that crossed her path. Her dedication and strong work ethic allowed her to excel in all she did.

The next chapter in Nena’s life led her to volunteering with Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe as a tutor and board member. Growing up fully bilingual, Nena understood the importance of speaking two languages. Nena taught English as a second language and Citizen classes that was one of her greatest joys, observing the progress of her adult students. Many of her students became dear friends.

Strong in her Catholic faith, Nena attended mass nearly every day, loved bible classes, and volunteered often in the church office. That strong faith and belief in family helped her in her 16 year battle with cancer that eventually took her. Nena lived to see each of her three grandchildren join the family, sometimes racing straight from chemotherapy sessions to Albuquerque to hold them immediately after they were born. Her grandchildren provided great joy for her, her love and prayers for them will follow them throughout their life. She will be dearly missed by her family, and they will remember her as loving, determined, and faithful. Her family is eternally grateful to her for setting a strong foundation of our Catholic faith.

She is survived by her husband Vincent, daughter Amelia and husband Matthew, three grandchildren Dominic, Darius, and Jaden. Brother Orlando and wife Becky. Brother John. Nephews Gregory (Michele) and their daughter Malaia, Enrique (Rita) and their son Taiyari, Orlanda (Lucy) and their daughter Ruby.

Nieces Carlotta and daughter Alyssa. Her two best friends Joanne Trujillo and Annette Montoya, who assisted in her care at the end. Coming from a large family, Nena is survived by many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. A special thanks goes to the Cancer Center in Santa Fe, especially Dr.Teague and Jenifer Porter and the entire staff who gave support in addition to the treatments, Dr. Maestas in Pojoaque who always managed to see Nena at a moments notice and Berna who developed into a great friend. We thank all who have supported and loved Nena throughout the years. Due toCOVID-19, all services will be private. In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Vincent De Paul at Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe del Valle de Pojoaque is appreciated.

The Romero Family has entrusted Maria Elena’s care to Rivera Family Funeral Home.