Mary Fernández Romero, passed away peacefully in the early evening, Tuesday June 22, 2021.  She was 2 weeks short of her 90th birthday.  Mary was born July 5, 1931 in Lumberton, New Mexico to José and Ignacita Fernandez, one of 12 children.

December 29, 1951, she married her husband Criss Romero in Lumberton, New Mexico after they met in Santa Fe where they had both moved for work. They immediately moved to Superior, AZ in 1952, where she and Criss resided for their remaining years.

Mary was an unassuming but nontraditional woman.  She worked during a time when women were expected to attend to the home. She and Criss adopted two boys, Criss Jr. and David. Her experience as a young woman made her committed to an advanced education for her children, and taught them both to read before they began the first grade.

Mary was a strongly religious woman and a person of social justice.  She was an participating union member, and she supported various nonprofits either through donations, and was a participant in Habitat for Humanity. She and her husband were known to their family and to the community as generous with resources, not collecting rent during strikes, and helping people pay their utility bills during hard times. Mary was generous with their knowledge and affection, the kitchen and home filled with family at special times like Easter.

Mary is survived by a large loving family including her husband Criss Romero, her son Criss Romero, Jr. and his husband Johnny Melichar; her son David Romero, granddaughter Avenicia Romero and her mother Alfreda Tsosie.

She is also survived by her sister Juanita Valdez, niece Mary Jane Maestas, nephews Danny Valdez, his wife Lucinda; and Teddy Valdez.  She also leaves behind many nephews and nieces. All of these she cherished and touched deeply.

The viewing will be held on June 29 at the Superior Mortuary in Superior beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Please join us for a Rosary followed by Mass on Wednesday morning at Saint Mary Center; June 30, 2020, beginning at 9:30 a.m.