Celita "Sally" Romero Conde

Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and a kind woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, and warmth. She was tender hearted, gentle and organized in all things. Sally was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She always had a focus on harmony and peace.

Sally was born on September 23, 1950 at home in Tucson, Arizona. Her parents were Armando Romero and Consuelo Robles. Sally was raised in Tucson, Arizona. As a child, Sally demonstrated a peace loving spirit that touched those around her.

Sally was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family.This quality served her well in bringing unity to her family . Family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Sally was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others.Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Sally could easily relate to others.

During her high school years, she was constantly offering her support and encouragement to everyone she encountered. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1969. Teachers and classmates knew Sally as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and her education.

Always considered a “good” friend, Sally sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Sally always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances and friends. Sally's friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Sally would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Sally was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end.

On May 26, 1974 Sally married John Ortiz Conde. Compassionate and devoted, Sally always worked hard to make her family happy.

Sally’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her children. Sally shared these values with her six children, two daughters, Rosalinda and Elizabeth and four sons, Johnny, Isaac, Joshua and Daniel. Sally was also blessed with ten grandchildren, Elida, Isaac, Johnny, Isaiah, Julian, Jonathan, Ivan, Caleb, Adrian and Levi. Sally related well to children of all ages and was able to connect with them on their level. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.

Sally experienced success throughout her work life. Her primary occupation was Special Ed Assistant. Sally always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known and loved by her colleagues. Sally took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a task. Sally was one to take the initiative and her skills at work were highly valued.

Throughout her life, Sally was actively involved in professional and community work. Sally was known to her peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Sally was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting her own needs aside. An added benefit was Sally’s ability to bring valued principles along with her.

Sally was tender hearted by nature and always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected with people, and upheld her personal values.

Sally was a member of the Anchor Church for many years. During that time, she was a Sunday school teacher and participated in the church choir. She also served in the homeless ministry at her church. She was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in her work within the congregation.

Sally passed away on October 18, 2012 at the Kaiser Hospital in San Diego, California after fighting a courageous battle against cancer. She is survived by her six children, ten grandchildren and many beloved siblings. Services were held at The Anchor Church in San Diego, California. Sally was laid to rest at Greenwood Memorial Park.

Throughout her life, Sally was gracious and generous in sharing her personal attributes, always giving and helping others. She would always bring out the best in everyone. Sally leaves behind her legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories.