Elizabeth Romero

Elizabeth Romero Born July 18, 1928, to Ofelia Chavez and Antonio Jiménez in Doña Ana, New Mexico, Elizabeth was one of ten children and a graduate of the Alison-James School in Santa Fe and the Menaul School in Albuquerque. Elizabeth moved to Taos in 1953 and quickly became involved in the community. As a co-founder of Centinel Bank of Taos, she supported the efforts to establish a locally owned institution focused on the financial needs of the area, serving as a convenor and networker in the early days of the bank's formation. As the owner of the Conquistador Gallery in the Taos Plaza during the 1970s and '80s, Elizabeth was very active in the Taos art scene. This work led her to be actively involved with the Taos Fall Art Festival as well as with the creation of Centinel Bank's Featured Artist program. She saw these efforts as a way to support local artists, while showcasing talent, celebrating culture, and appreciating the awe of art and its influence on our community. Elizabeth avidly engaged as a board member of the Santa Fe Opera, the Taos Hospital Foundation, the St. Vincent's Hospital Foundation, and the National Dance Institute of New Mexico. As president of the Taos Opera Guild, she brought opera events to Taos and supported efforts to engage school children with programs at the Santa Fe Opera. Passionate about New Mexican culture and history, Elizabeth was also a board member of the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art (now the Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum) and, until recently, Vice President of the Taos County Historical Society. Elizabeth was also a fervent and skilled home gardener, finding joy in tending to the vibrant roses that lined her walkway. The garden of her longtime Santa Fe home was featured in the 2010 book Gardens of Santa Fe, by Anne Hillerman. Her gardens were the setting of many joyful gatherings, enlivened by her quick wit and comedic timing. Elizabeth took up skiing in midlife and joined the locals' clinic at Taos Ski Valley. In her last days, she loved retelling stories of adventures, crashes, socializing with the original founders and members of the TSV community, and the luck and thrill of discovering a Martini tree. Above all, Elizabeth was a doting grandmother who adored her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband and best friend, Roger Hyndman, with whom she spent the last 30 years sharing an appreciation for the arts, opera, and a love for travel. She was also preceded by her former husband, Eliu E. Romero. She is survived by her brother, Eli Jimenez, sons Martin Romero (Cheryl) and Dennis Romero (Sibylle); grandchildren, Rebeca Romero Rainey (John), Miguel Romero (Regina), Chris Romero (Leslie), and Gabriela Romero (and her mother, Lisa Dreger); great-grandchildren, Miquela Romero, Miguel Mateo Romero, Marcos Romero, Izabella Romero Rainey, Elliana Romero Rainey, Andrew Romero, Allie Romero; great-great-grandchildren, Mariana Romero, Kinsley Romero, and Brynleigh Romero. Instead of flowers, contributions can be made to the Taos Center for the Arts or Taos Chamber Music group.

The family of Elizabeth Romero has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home.