Maria Teresa Romero, age 82, passed through heaven's gates on Sunday, September 23, 2018.  Born in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico in 1936 to parents Rogaciana and World War II veteran Pedro Hernandez.  She grew up enjoying and raising her younger siblings-6 sisters and 1 brother.  Maria spent many of her younger years in Eagle Pass, Texas, where she met her husband, Manuel Romero.  After the birth of their beautiful daughter, they moved to Gilroy, California, where they established a presence here in the community with their three children attending Gilroy Schools and participating in local sports.

Maria will be remembered for being the backbone of her family and a pillar of faith, strength, and love to all who knew her.  Servant-hearted and always lending a helping hand to whomever needed it, she was always the first to provide guidance and wisdom.  Of all things, Maria enjoyed most, she loved gathering her family together as often as she could, whether it be for family dinners, annual tamale making, or casual evenings at her home, a place of comfort and joy for all.  She was the world's greatest baseball fan as she cheered for her grandchildren as they played on their local teams, rooted for the San Francisco Giants, and visited the Little League World Series with her daughter in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Maria is survived by her three children, Maria (husband Eugene), Jesus (wife Annette), and Jose (wife Pauline); ten grandchildren, Roberto, Veronica, Jeanette, Jose Jr., Stephen, Jessica, Ruben Matthew, Amanda, Isabel, and David; ten great-grandchildren, Cecelina, Isaac, Annalea, Arian, Briella, Ariya, Liam, Azariah, Viviana, and Elise; siblings, Christina, Josephina, Petra, Jose Cruz, Guadalupe, and Socorro; and numerous other cherished family and friends for whom she lived for each and every day.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held.  A public visitation will take place at Habing Family Funeral Home on Sunday, September 30 ^th beginning at 6:00 pm followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00 pm.  Funeral Mass will be Monday, October 1, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Parish followed by burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life Reception will take place at the Veteran's Memorial Building of Gilroy from 12 noon to 4:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or any Hospice Organization.