Ramona Romero Duarte

Ramona Romero Duarte of Garden Grove was born in Anaheim and went home to be with The Lord, peacefully at her home on July 25, 2012, surrounded by her family. She is survived by the love of her life, her loving husband of 63 years, William G. Duarte; her children Jerry Duarte & his wife Holly; Mary Alice Duarte-Siber & her husband David; William R. Duarte & his wife Francine; Tina Marie Duarte; three grandchildren Nina Siber, Holly Crystal Mattson & her husband Mike; Noél Siber; and 1 great grandchild Isabelle Alice Mattson. She was the last original member of the pioneer Romero family of La Colonia Independencia.

She was one of eight children born to immigrant parents, Silvestre & Jacinta Romero. Although she had paltry beginnings, working multiple labor-intensive jobs such as canneries, shoe factories, and laboring in farms while raising four children, she put herself through school and became a cosmetologist. During the 60s, she had the drive to open her own salon employing many. Also, she loved to travel and experience other cultures. She made many trips throughout the world with her husband during their marriage. Her fortitude, determination, and strength are legacies she left to her children along with being a fine example of what a marriage should be. She was gregarious amongst all and had endless love for everyone, strength and determination, and served as an inspiration to those that knew her. Her passions included artistic painting, sewing, crafts and other pastimes. Many people called her mom as she always welcomed everyone to her kitchen for some authentic Mexican dishes and her Annual Duarte Christmas Eve Tamale Party. She was loved by many and will be missed by all. With us for a short while, with God forever. We will always love you.

Viewing will be held on July 2, 2012 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Pierce Brothers Mortuary, 2425 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim. Funeral Mass will be held July 3, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Polycarp Church, 8100

Chapman Ave., Stanton. Interment follows Mass at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 7845 East Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA.