Amelia "Mella" Romero

Amelia "Mella" Romero (née Morales), 92, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Amelia was born on December 26, 1932, in Chicago. She spent the majority of her life residing in the South Chicago neighborhood. She graduated from Bowen High School in 1950. She ultimately married and held her wedding ceremony with her husband at Our Lady Guadalupe Church, a church that held great influence, guidance and memories for her throughout her life. She built a life marked by dedication and resilience. Together with her husband, Michael Romero, she founded a successful tax business where she served as a tax preparer, notary, and translator. Her work extended beyond a mere profession, showcasing her intelligence and dedication to assisting the South Chicago community in managing financial, immigration, and legal matters. 

Amelia was known for her unwavering strength and deep love for her family. She was a devoted wife and a caring mother who prioritized the well-being of those she cherished most, especially her daughter Rosa. She faced life's challenges with grace and selflessness, always putting others before herself. In 1999, Amelia and Michael retired to Phoenix, Arizona, where she found great joy in the warmth of the desert sun. Amelia had a strong affinity for the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Bulls, particularly during the era of Michael Jordan. She was also passionate about cooking, known for her exceptional enchiladas and guisado de puerco. Additionally, she enjoyed reading books, solving word search puzzles, watching television, perusing the newspaper with a particular interest in the comics, and listening to music. Some of her favorites were Barbara Streisand, Dinah Washington, and Mexican music. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her friends at the Pecos Senior Center and held high regard for the staff there. Amelia was known for her elegance and impeccable style, consistently dressing with sophistication.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Rose Romero, Leticia Zepeda (Rafael), Christine Herrera (Jamie), and Roman Romero (Stephanie). She is predeceased by her husband Michael Romero, parents Eugene Morales, Rosenda Morales, and siblings Antonia Rojas, Eugene 'Hank' Morales, and Rudy Morales. Amelia is survived by her sisters Mary Morales, Esperanza Rodriguez, and her brother Jesse Morales. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, as well as many nephews and nieces.

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend is now in a peaceful place with her Heavenly Father.

Services will be held at St. Benedict Catholic church, located at 16223 S 48th St, Phoenix, AZ, 85048, at 1pm.

A livestream of the service can be viewed at the parish website: www.youtube.com/@st.benedictcatholicchurch5177