Otilia "Tillie" S. Romero

Otilia S. Romero, known as ‘Tillie,” gained her wings on Sunday, December 19, 2021. Tillie was born to Juan and Guadalupe Salcido, on March 15, 1939, in Galveston, Texas, born and raised. Both of her parents were deceased when she was the very young age of 7 years, leaving her to be raised along with siblings by an aunt & uncle. There will be a Viewing at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, followed by a Rosary and Funeral Service at 2:00 PM. Tillie is preceded in death by her daughter, Juanita M. Burnett (oldest); grandson, Juan Carlos Martinez; granddaughter, Stacey Season Martinez; great-grandson, Joseph Elias Romero; brothers: Johnny, Alberto, Eddie, and Marcelino; and sister, Dora Salcido (deceased as an infant). Those left to cherish memories of Otilia are her sons: Eliseo Martinez Jr. and wife Linda Martinez of Chula Vista, CA, Pete Martinez, LeRoy S. Martinez, Sr. and wife Yvette Martinez, and Robert Martinez; daughters: Frances Martinez and Cynthia Martinez of Roswell, NM; fifteen grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; sister, Frances Salcido Ross of Galveston, Texas; Tia to numerous nephews and nieces along with their children who they loved and showed it with all their heart. Tillie especially loved, adored, and had a special relationship with her niece, Tillie Ann Ross, from Texas City, TX. In 1956, Tillie married Eliseo B. Martinez, surviving in Roswell, NM. In that marriage, and gave birth to seven children. She was a jack of all trades, a few to mention housekeeping at Motel Stevens in Carlsbad, NM, working at Levi Strauss as a seamstress, Dietitian Aide at Casa Maria. Alongside with that, Tillie did what she could to provide for her seven children. A couple to mention was making and selling dozens of tortillas to the neighborhood and others, assisted in getting Menudo prepared for the Flamingo Club Sundays with a dear friend, Olivia Albarez. Before Tillie retired, her last sixteen years working were in Texas City, managing a resale thrift store that supported Pregnancy Center Ministry. Tillie worked in the clerical department for Medical and Vet offices and managed apartment complexes. She was awarded several certificates of accomplishments of training in clerical throughout the years in Texas City. Along the way of working and experiencing her own health issues, Tillie gave her all to care for her brother, Chelino (Joe), who was terminally ill. Aside from being the hard worker Tillie was, she had favorite hobbies involving spoiling her plants indoors and out, sewing, watching YouTube videos for music, cooking, and crocheting tutorials. She was determined to keep her plants green and healthy here in NM as she did in TX. No family member would ever get to walk past Tillie in greeting without a BIG hug and a kiss on the cheek and, of course, with a big welcoming smile. She never showed any weakness but only demonstrated how caring, strong, lovable, and generous she was, even to strangers. Tillie was also known as one of the neighborhood ‘Mom.” Tillie will truly be missed by many who loved her so much. There is just not enough room to describe the many qualities she carried, always putting everyone first. And if you have never had one of her ‘Tillie Blasters’, you missed out. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Tillie’s family at www.andersonbethany.com. Tillie’s tribute was written in her honor by her family. The family asks for all people attending services to please wear a mask at all times.

Otilia "Tillie" S. Romero

March 15, 1939 - December 19, 2021