Jeannine Renee Romero

Jeannine Renee Suzanne Romero
After a long and well-lived life, Jeannine "Meme" Romero passed away on Wednesday, February 7th at the age of 93.

Meme was born on May 29, 1924 in Rouen, France to Marguerite Charlotte and Rene Edourd Henri O'mont. The older of two daughters, Meme and her sister, Micheline, grew up along the River Seine in the French region of Normandy. During World War II, Meme and her family witnessed first-hand the horrors of the German invasion and occupation and major areas of their city were destroyed.

Meme left her beloved France when she married her first husband, an American Solider, and set sail for the United States aboard the USAT Bridgeport. She arrived at Ellis Island in May 1946 along with her infant son, James. After living in Army bases in El Paso TX and Washington state, Meme settled in small farming community in Missouri.

In 1955, Meme moved to Colorado with her 3 boys where she would live the remainder of her years. She applied for a live- in housekeeper/nanny position with her soon to be second husband. Together they had one daughter and raised her three boys and his three children. They divorced after 16 years of marriage. While out with friends one evening in 1972, Abie "Tata" Romero tapped Meme on the shoulder and asked her to dance. They were married in 1973.

Together, Meme and Abie had a blended family of eight children. They traveled to France on multiple occasions to visit Meme's family and enjoy her hometown; the couple also made frequent trips to New Mexico, along with her favorite place Disney Land in southern California. Meme was Abie's best friend and life-long dance partner.

For 20+ years, Meme worked in the bakery at King Soopers and was a favorite of customers and colleagues. After her retirement, she provided in-home daycare programs to children whom she loved and cared for so well. They became an extension of her family and many of their photos continue to hang on the fridge today.

Meme was incredibly loved by her family and a large community of friends and neighbors. Her kind heart, love for all, and signature French accent brought happiness and comfort to all who knew her. She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. Spending time with her family was of among her greatest joys. She touched so many lives and will be missed greatly by all that know and love her.

Meme is survived by her beloved and devoted husband of 44 years, Abie "Tata" Romero, and their children: James Aldridge (Loretta) of Traveler Rest, SC; Chris Aldridge (Tanis) of Thornton, CO; Debora Moser (Bruce) of Broomfield, CO; Irene Aldridge of Lakewood, CO; Therese Hernandez (Ray) of Kingman, AZ; Steve Romero (Andy), Rose Garcia (Lorenzo), and Angela Luna (Joe) all of Albuquerque, NM. Meme is preceded in death by her son Dennis Aldridge and her sister, Micheline Cayeux.

Meme is also survived by 16 loving grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in New Mexico and France.

A celebration of Meme's life will be planned for May and the details will be shared as they become available.