Romela (Neng) Recio Solomon

Romela left us peacefully on May 12, 2024, after a courageous battle with an autoimmune disease. She was surrounded by the love and support of family and friends throughout her journey, and in her final moments her brother Romeo Jr. was by her side, offering comfort and solace. She was at peace.

Romela was born on December 11, 1960, to Romeo Sr. and Aurora in Manilla, Philippines. In 1970 the family moved to Seattle, settling in Ballard in 1972, which would be their home for more than 40 years. After Ballard High School, Romela went on to the University of Washington, where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration. She was very academic and studious, getting straight As and garnering admiration for being super smart. She was a whiz at Jeopardy and the NY Times puzzles and looked forward to the challenge and competition every day.

She loved the Eastside and she eventually relocated to Bellevue, Washington. She enjoyed decorating and created a warm and welcoming home that was a profound refuge of happiness.

Her career in retail was an excellent fit for her analytical mind. She loved teamwork, solving problems and helping people. She worked at several national companies, including JC Penney, Frederick & Nelson and The Disney Store. However, none brought her more joy and satisfaction than her nearly 20-year career at Pacific Coast Feather Company, where her treasured colleagues became her dear friends. Some offered words to share.

“Romela was so loved by her Pacific Coast Feather family. She was always so kind and thoughtful. Especially appreciated how she showed love to all of our children and treated them as someone special.” “Everyone Romela met loved her!” “Romela was a truly special person.” “She was always smartly dressed and wore a beautiful smile.” “I can still hear her cute laugh.”

Romela was kind, generous, thoughtful and compassionate. She had a bright personality, effervescent and entertaining. She was a great conversationalist with an astonishing gift of gab! Always curious and engaging, Romela had the rare quality of instantly connecting with people in meaningful ways. Immediately you could sense that she truly cared about you … and she did.

Music played a vital role throughout her life, a source of comfort and sweet memories. She played violin and learned piano from her mom’s sister, Tita Lourdes, who also inspired her to teach piano. She loved classical music and music of the ‘70s, including favorites Barry Manilow, The Carpenters and Manhattan Transfer.

Romela was a devoted and loving daughter, dedicating herself to the care and well-being of her parents even as she herself began having issues with her health. Her unwavering commitment to them during their times of need was a testament to her boundless love and strength.

Romela is predeceased by her Mom and Dad and cousin Lorelei. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Romeo Jr. and Adina, brother Arnold and his wife, Maya, and niece Emily, and cousins on her mother’s side: Bernadette, Rolando & Miryan, Rafael & Franseen, Maria and Michael, Leilani & avid, Larry and Nita & Eric.

A memorial service will be held at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home in Seattle on Tuesday, June 11, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception. An Inurnment ceremony will be held at Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline, Washington, on Thursday, June 13 at 11 a.m.

Rest in peace, dear Romela. Your love, kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.