Virginia D. Romero passed away peacefully at her home in Durango surrounded by family on March 1, 2021. She is survived by her husband Rufe Romero Jr, sons Robert, Michael and Frank Romero, her daughters Jennifer Maynes and Loretta Engman, her brothers Mickey and Donald Candelaria, her sisters Carrie Wiggins and Nora Peña, her 15 grandchildren and her 13 great grandchildren.
Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Rose Candelaria and her sister Liva Arellano.
Virginia was born to Bernard and Rose Candelaria in Durango, CO where she was a life-long resident. She graduated in 1951 from Durango High School where she began “going steady” with Rufe, whom she eventually went on to marry in 1954. November 17, 2020 marked 67 years of marriage for Rufe and Virginia. She was a devout Catholic and life-long member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she heavily supported and was a member of the Mother’s Club. She also loved the holidays and was and excellent cook – known for her tamales, tacos, green chili as well as many other dishes.
In 1960, Rufe and Virginia started Rufe’s Paint Store together where Virginia managed the finances for the store before they both retired in 2003. During retirement, Virginia and Rufe traveled frequently. They also enjoyed passing the time making puzzles together, and of course were kept busy with visits from their abundance of family and close friends. Virginia was wholeheartedly loved and admired by her family as well as many others and will be missed dearly.
Virginia’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation for and thanks to the Mercy Regional Medical Center Nurses who provided compassionate end-of-life palliative care and hospice care to Virginia.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Virginia’s name to Hospice of Mercy https://chicf.thankyou4caring.org/mhd-donate or American Cancer Society www.cancer.org.
A rosary will be held and the Mass will be Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Sacred Heart at 10 am followed by a graveside at Greenmount Cemetery. Due to the current pandemic, the services will be for immediate family only. Service will be streamed live – please visit hoodmortuary.com for more details.