Kate Romero, 84, of Flagstaff, died Tuesday afternoon, February 2, 2011 at the Olivia White Hospice Home following an extended battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Mrs. Romero was born April 30, 1926 in Polvadera, N.M. and arrived in Flagstaff with her husband and two children in 1951.

For decades, she worked in a dual-career role as homemaker and in the retail field. She retired from J.C. Penny Co., in 1988 and was also a long-time employee of Babbitt Brothers Trading Company.

During World War II, Mrs. Romero served her country in true "Rosie the Riveter" fashion in an aircraft production factory in Los Angeles.

Mrs. Romero was a kind, caring person who always placed family and friends first. She was active in the Flagstaff Catholic community, serving for years as a member of the Bereavement Committee of San Francisco de Asis Parish.

She lives on in the hearts of her son Manny (Judith) of Sedona; daughter Cathy Spitzer (Paul) of Flagstaff; and grandchildren Annemari Romero of Sedona; Joseph Spitzer of Flagstaff, and Camille Lewis (Mike) of Los Angeles.

One of five siblings raised on a productive farm in central New Mexico, Mrs. Romero is survived by sister Nadine Bell of Mora, NM; brothers Benny (Alice) Chavez of Belen, NM and Jerry (Jane) Chavez of Uvalde, Tex; sister-in-law Lola Chavez of Socorro, NM; several nieces and nephews, and friends old and new.

She was preceded in death by brother Adolfo Chavez of Socorro, NM; and husband of 64 years, George Romero.

A holy rosary will be recited Sunday, February 6, at 7:00 p.m. at Norvel Owens Mortuary Chapel, 914 E. Route 66 in Flagstaff.

Celebration of the Mass of Resurrection will be held Monday, February 7 at 10 a.m. at San Francisco de Asís Parish, St. Pius X Chapel, 2257 E. Cedar, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in her name to the Olivia White Hospice House, P.O Box 997, Flagstaff, AZ 86002.