Stella Priscilla Romero

February 19, 1937 – February 9, 2026

Stella Priscilla Romero, age 88, a lifelong New Mexican, passed away peacefully at her home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, on February 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born on February 19, 1937, in La Bajada, New Mexico, to Elfego and Josefina Romero. Stella was raised with strong faith, family values, and a deep sense of responsibility that guided her throughout her life. She attended Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Bernalillo, New Mexico, and graduated in 1956.

Stella devoted her professional life to accounting and bookkeeping, a career she carried out with dedication. From 1973 to 2020, she worked with McLaughlin and McLaughlin Public Accountants, A&R Bookkeeping, and Romero Bookkeeping in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Among her proudest accomplishments were building her first home in Bernalillo, working as an accountant at McLaughlin and McLaughlin, and eventually purchasing and operating her own accounting company. 

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Stella was actively involved at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, where she served faithfully as a sacristan. In this role, she reverently cared for the sacred vessels and linens of the Church, ensuring that everything was prepared with dignity and respect for the celebration of the Holy Mass. Her quiet service reflected her lifelong devotion to God and her parish community.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents, Elfego and Josefina Romero; her brothers, Oliver Romero, Israel Romero, and Isaac Romero.

She is survived by her sister, Dolores Dominguez of Rio Rancho, NM; her sister, Maria Romero; and her sister-in-law, Socorro Romero. She also leaves behind her loving nieces and nephews: Catherine Johnson and her husband, Lawrence Johnson, of Rio Rancho, NM; Christine Dominguez and her husband, John Montoya, of Bernalillo, NM; David Romero of Texas; Rena Romero of Albuquerque, NM; Dianna Elva Wahba of Bernalillo, NM; and Oliver Romero of Bernalillo, NM. She is further survived by her cherished great-niece, Rachel Dominguez of Bernalillo, NM, and her great-nephew, Liam Andrew Johnson of Rio Rancho, NM, as well as many extended loving family members and dear friends.

Stella will be remembered for her independence, unwavering faith, strong work ethic, and quiet acts of service. Her life was one of devotion—to her family, her faith, and her profession—and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.May she rest in eternal peace.