Marie Bernadette Romero

Marie B. Romero (Chavez), age 60, was taken too soon on Saturday, January 31, 2026. She was a resident of Moriarty, NM for the majority of her life. Marie was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on March 3, 1965, to Pete Sr. and Clorinda Romero, but was lovingly “wished for” by her sister Natalie.

Marie met the love of her life, Sammy Chavez, at just 16 years old. She graduated from Estancia High School in 1983, and on July 2, 1983, she and Sammy were married. Together they shared 19 years of marriage and built a beautiful life centered on love and family.

Marie and Sammy welcomed two daughters, Yolanda and Yevette—one of the most fulfilling and cherished roles of her life was being their mother. While raising her girls, Marie worked for the Moriarty/Edgewood School District, allowing her to remain fully present and involved in their upbringing. She later went on to work for the New Mexico Department of Transportation as a Civil Engineering Technician A, from which she happily retired on July 31, 2021.

Her greatest blessings—her corazons—were her grandchildren:

Sammy Lyle (2010)

Alexi Lyle (2012)

Taylor Aday (2022)

Marie loved her grandchildren unconditionally and was incredibly proud to be their Nana. She was their biggest fan, attending and supporting every school activity, sporting event, rodeo, and show. She FaceTimed/called Taylor daily, loved reading to her, doing crafts together, and telling bedtime stories—especially The Three Little Bears when Nana visited.

Marie had a beautiful way of making people feel special, whether through thoughtful texts, handwritten cards, or heartfelt messages filled with love.

Marie is survived by her Daddy, Pete Romero Sr.; her daughters Yolanda and son in law Josh Lyle and Yevette and son in law Gregg Aday, her grandchildren Sammy and Alexi Lyle, and Taylor Aday; bonus sons Tyson (Amanda) Gonzales and their children Tyson Jr., Aria, Raedyn, and Carter; Tyler Gonzales and his children Tori and Talan; her siblings Pete Jr. (Karla) Romero, Johnny (Laura) Romero, Natalie (Rick Sr.) Trujillo, Clarence (Emily) Romero, and Manuel Maldonado; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Her godchildren—whom she lovingly referred to as her “steps to heaven”—are Dominic, Samantha, Brenda, Tyson, Kelly, and Ione.

Marie was preceded in death by her grandparents Manuel and Eulalia Barela, Willie and Julia Benavidez; her mother Clorinda Romero; her husband Sammy Chavez; and her in-laws Antonio and Mary Louise Chavez.

Marie cherished quality time with family and friends. She treasured sister time and sister weekends, and watching the Kentucky Derby with Natalie and Belinda, dinners and cocktails with her Comadre- Erms and her Honey-Susu, coffee dates and road trips with Claudette and Brenda, long heartfelt conversations with Berna, adventures and travel across the U.S. with Aunt Dee Dee, reconnecting with Dolores, and spontaneous adventures with Nadine. Her special bond with her nephew Ricky was truly irreplaceable.

After retirement, Marie spent a couple years working part time at the New Mexico Therapeutic Riding Center, where she joyfully combined her love for helping others with her passion for horses.

Marie was kind, loving, and gave her entire heart to those around her. Her beautiful smile lit up every room, and she guided others without judgment. She found joy in life’s simple blessings, was a faithful Catholic, and prayed the rosary daily.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made by giving blood at your local blood bank or by contributing in Marie’s honor to the American Heart Association or Donate Life New Mexico. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the  Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace for their compassionate care.

Marie will be deeply missed by all who loved her so dearly. Honorary pallbearers include her nieces and nephews: Ricky and Melissa Trujillo, Jolene Trujillo and Jaron Andrews, Shawn and Katie Romero, Felicia and Logan Miller, Dominic Romero, Pete Jude and Ashley Romero, Antone Romero, and Yelania Romero.

Please join us in celebrating and honoring Marie’s life on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Moriarty, New Mexico. The Rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will follow at the Moriarty Civic Center. Burial will be held privately.