TORRINGTON – Funeral mass will be celebrated for Rosemarie “Marie” Romero, 75, 1 p.m. Saturday, September 16 at Saint Rose
Catholic Church with Father Ray Moss officiating and burial at a later date. Marie had a short running
battle with lung cancer, passing away September 12, 2023.
Cremation has taken place with a memorial designated to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church Prayer Garden, in Marie’s name. Condolences may be
sent to www.colyerfuneralhome.com.
Marie was born September 3, 1948, in Torrington, to Dale (Delfino) and Emma (Eufemia Ortivez) Martinez. She was born and raised in Torrington with six brothers (John, Charles, Rudy, Jessie, Ronnie and Delfino) and one sister (Joyce).
On August 22, 1966 she married Ruben Romero, recently celebrating 57 years of marriage, later becoming the loving mother to her three children, Tammy, Roxane and Chris. It was not only her three children she would open her home to and help raise. She graciously and lovingly would also welcome brothers and nephews to grow up in her home, instilling family values and the importance of education, and most importantly reading.
The importance of education and reading came from 36 years as a paraprofessional educator for Goshen County School District No. 1. She loved working with children and having an impact on their learning. Throughout these years she would see children evolve into young adults and reflect on memories she had when she had known them in their younger years. Each child she worked with was special in their own way and it wasn’t uncommon for her to have known two generations of a family.
Helping kids learn and grow would not only occur during her days working at the elementary school. It was not uncommon for her to read to her kids and grandkids or have them read to her. Once they got older, there was also the life lessons that would come with why education was important and how you should be a life-long learner. It wasn’t uncommon for her grandkids to get books as a gift, or for her to take them to the school book sale.
Marie loved to spend time in her flower gardens, moving or sharing her perennials. She had a love for the outdoors, which included excitement when there was a fishing trip planned. Her love for life, learning and the positive aspect of situations, conquering them with humor, was unique and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Marie is survived by her husband Ruben and their three children Tammy (Dave), Chris and Roxane (James), five grandchildren Gabe, Matthew, Maryssa, Madelyn, Arianna, one great-grandson Alfred; and many special nieces, nephews, sister-in-laws and brother-in laws. She was preceded in death by her
parents, brother Charles Martinez, grandson Michael Salazar and son-in-law Joseph Salazar.
