Maria Elena ("Helen") Romero, aged 82, from Cuyamungue, New Mexico, passed away on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026 in Albuquerque, New Mexico after a lengthy illness.

On January 27, 1944, she was born to Bernardino Romero and Adelina Romero (Trujillo). Helen was a graduate of Loretto Academy, in Santa Fe, New Mexico for High School. She attended New Mexico Highland's University for both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Education. She was the first in her family to go to college and to earn a degree, setting an example for others to follow.

Helen worked for many years as an Elementary school teacher at Pojoaque Valley Schools. Her specialty was in reading and literacy. In her capacity as a teacher, she forged many deep and lifetime friendships not only with other teachers, but with parents and students. She proudly and tirelessly taught countless children how to read, even tutoring children after work hours. When Helen was not working, she was an accomplished artist, creating paintings, drawings, and other magnificent creative works. Most importantly, Helen was a devout Roman Catholic. She was constantly involved in Parish activities, devoted to praying the Rosary daily, and inspiring others to live a life of Faith and prayer.

Helen is survived by four sons: John Pacheco (Teresa Lujan) of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Thomas Pacheco of Boise, Idaho; Carlos Pacheco (Angela DeLong) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and David Pacheco (Courtney Francis) of Henderson, Nevada, as well as their two children, Adelina and Xavier. Helen is survived by her sister, Lucy (Leonard Estrada) and their son Daniel Estrada. She is survived by her brother Bernardino Romero and his children, Antoinette Romero, Mario Romero, and Damian Romero. Helen was blessed to be survived by countless other cousins, family members, friends, and caregivers that are too many to mention.

We are especially grateful for the care Helen received from the caregivers at Ravenna Assisted Living as well as by Legacy Hospice.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Bernardino and Adelina, as well as her sister-in-law Mabel (Gonzales).

We will pray the Rosary at 10:30 am on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 4020 Lomas Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 4020 Lomas Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110.

Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery & Mausoleum, 1900 Edith Boulevard, NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102

A reception will be held after interment at the French Funerals & Cremations event space, 1111 University Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102