Consuelo (Connie) Pérez Romero, June 3, 1948-June 20, 2011, was born 9th of 17 children to Germán Zermeño Romero and María del Refugio Pérez Romero. She was raised in Fillmore, California, attended public schools, graduated and then was granted admission to the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus Order on July 26, 1968, where she served the Lord at Little Flower Haven, in La Mesa, CA. for the rest of her life. She became known as and blessed with the name Sister María Rosalía de Jesús.
As a servant of God she held many positions: Licensed Vocational Nurse, Preschool Teacher, Activities Director, organist and vocalist leading hymns for her Carmelite family and people in residence. She was eventually elevated to the position of Mother Superior. Our “hermana” took her vows and “lived” them until the end: chastity, poverty, and obedience.
Our “Little Flower” has gone to her “Haven”, to join her departed hermanos Jesús, Rubén, and Rebeca as well as her Mamá y Papá whom she greatly missed and looked forward to seeing, along with her Lord. Many uncles, aunts, and cousins also preceded her in death: Paternal “Romero” uncles and aunt Hemeterio, Juan, Benjamin, Pedro, Rafael, Esther, and Alfonso. Maternal “Pérez” uncles and aunt were: Jesús, Socorro, and Father Rubén, all of Jalisco, Mexico, and cousins, Arturo Romero and Robert Romero.
She leaves behind several siblings, in-laws, aunts, nieces and nephews, as well as a few great-nieces and great-nephews. Siblings include Catalina Romero Mull (Daniel); Francisco Pérez Romero (Francisca, children Laura, Frank Jr., Nancy, and Anthony); Ricardo Pérez Romero (children Richard C., Rebecca Spencer, Teresa Cruz, and Michael); Josefina Romero Guerrero (Richard, children Carlos, Marisa, and Lia); Manuel Pérez Romero (Blanca, children Marisela, and Daniel); Guadalupe Romero García (children Arthur Jr., Greg, and Maria); Roberto Pérez Romero; Rosa Romero Supina (David, children Lisa and Stephanie); Juan Pérez Romero; Ofelia Romero-Motlagh (Abbas); Anita Pérez Romero; Irene Romero Page (Darryl, sons Alonzo and Nicolas); and Gloria Romero-García (Tim and daughter Cristina). Other in-laws include Arthur Garcia and Jenny Chavez. Her surviving aunt is Dolores Pérez de Diaz of Mexico and aunts-in-law Alice Bustamante Romero and Margarita Morones Romero of Ventura County, California.
Her last “Romero home visit” was a joyful time when family joined to celebrate a graduation at a party for her nephew, Alonzo, on Saturday, June 18, 2011. She attended Mass on Father’s Day, June 19 and that evening, spent time listening to Mariachi music, eating her favorite meal: enchiladas. Usually, her free time was spent with her sisters/family at the convent enjoying recreation activities and reading.
She never asked for anything but on her last day, asked for our prayers. She said she needed them. In spite of this, there was not fear but readiness to go to her next home, next life. She passed away unexpectedly in San Gabriel, California with family by her side. She will be remembered for her laughter, Godliness, love of family, and ability to connect with others. This brought her much joy and happiness. She truly lived her “calling” per her order:
To give God joy is our Vocation.
“She was our “gift” in this life and she will be greatly missed, always admired, respected, and loved. Consuelo, duerme con los angelitos. Te amamos mucho y así siempre será.”
Services were held on June 24 (Rosary) and June 25, 2011 (Mass) at
Little Flower Haven. Donations may be made to:
Carmelite Sisters, DHJ
8585 La Mesa Blvd.
La Mesa, California 91941