Evelyn H. Romero

Evelyn Harriet Romero, 81, passed away at home in Norfolk with her family on March 1, 2024 after a fierce fight with peritoneal mesothelioma. She was born on August 29, 1942 to Otto Poland and Evelyn Clemencia Lambert Queeley in Guantanamo, Cuba.

Married for 64 years, she is survived by her husband, José Moises Romero; her daughter Elizabeth Romero-Kibiloski, son in law Keith Kibiloski, and her grandchildren, Rio Kibiloski and Alanna Kibiloski Brady and her grandson-in-law, Colin Brady. Evelyn was pre-deceased by her sons, Lawrence Otto Romero and José Alberto Romero.

Evelyn grew up in Guantanamo, Cuba attending Teresiano College for 3 years before the Communist takeover of the country. Pregnant with her daughter, she and her husband escaped on to the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo where her father, Otto, Retired 1st Sergeant Marine, and her mother were already living.

She began her 42-year Civil Service career on the Naval Base in Cuba at 19 years of age. In 1962, Evelyn, her mother, and one-year old daughter were transported by the Navy to Norfolk, VA. Her husband followed three months later. Evelyn continued her career with Civil Service, working for the Naval Supply Center, Atlantic Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Facilities Management Department NAS, and Commander Naval Air Station Atlantic Fleet, mostly in areas of budgeting, accounting, and contracting. After retiring from service for the U.S. Government, Evelyn worked for Life Cycle Engineering, Inc. as Task Administrator for the Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet, N43 staff for an additional 13 years.

While Evelyn was rightfully proud of her work achievements, she would want to be remembered for so much more. Her life was full of caring for her mother until her passing, raising her three children, and being a doting grandmother.

Evelyn and her husband José rescued and adopted many dogs over her lifetime and she cherished each one. The wildlife in their backyard never wanted for food or conversation, providing daily entertainment. She dabbled in the visual arts, gardening, and was always up for themed birthday party or lunch out in the middle of a workday “just because.” Through many trials and tragedies, Evelyn was unfailingly optimistic, finding humor and irony in most of life’s twists and turns. Her steadfast faith was a constant in her life and her beautiful smile and ready laugh were a joy to experience. Evelyn was a strong, fiercely independent woman, who generously gave of her time and resources to friends, as well as to strangers in need. She worked hard all her life to provide for her family and counted many of her co-workers as friends.

Evelyn was a devoted, caring wife, a dedicated and beloved mother, and she loved her grandchildren unconditionally and with unwavering support. She was inordinately proud of them both and was full of gratitude for her role as their “Abuela”.

Evelyn will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know her.

Thank you to Medi Home Health Hospice and especially Evelyn’s head nurse, Syreeta. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Norfolk SPCA or Sacred Friends, Inc., a wildlife rescue organization.