Justina Augustina Cardenas Romero

April 14, 1939 – April 19, 2026

Tina, as she liked to be called, was a very fun, outgoing, and loving person. She loved music, horses, basketball, and going to parties. She hosted awesome parties and cookouts at her house where everyone was always invited. She was always busy doing something. She loved going to the casino, selling stuff at the flea market and traveling. She made many friends throughout her life. She worked at Taos Leather Craft, Levi Strauss in Albuquerque, and finally retiring from UNM where she was Lead housekeeper for the dorms. She really enjoyed working at UNM because she was able to interact with the students and they called her “MOM”.

Tina is preceded in death by her Grandparents Ramoncita and Adolfo Frequez. And Alfredo Cardenas. Her mother Mary Juanita Cardenas Chapman. Brother Norbert Cardenas. Son Chris and wife Diane Romero. Son Alex Romero. Grandson Leroy Fermin Medina. Nieces Leticia Devenport and Amber Santistevan. Nephews Billy Santistevan and Christopher Polo Cardenas. Her ex-husband Juan C. Romero. And her love and life partner Pancho Ortega. Brother in laws, sister in laws, nieces and nephews and cousins on the Romero, Cardenas, Valerio, and Ortega families.

She is survived by her daughter Rebecca Romero Garcia and Son Desi Romero (Alberta). Grandchildren Loretta Medina, Christina (Mark) Winchester, Isaac Custer, Alexandra Romero and brothers Ryan and Matt. Anna Montoya. Great Grandchildren Justanie Chavez (John). Robert Tony and Julian Chavez. Lane and Xaundra Winchester. Isaac Montoya. Great Great Granddaughter Molly Chavez and siblings Josiah, John I, and Janeece Hudnut. Sister Marilyn (Henry) and Family. Sister Carmella (Rick) Devenport and Family. Brother Ben Chapman (JoAnn) and Family. Sister-in-laws Ruby Saavedra and Family. Josie Cardenas and Family. Jane Romero and Family. Eloisa and Guadalupe. Her Goddaughters Kelly Santistevan and Wendy Cardenas. Lots of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and friends which she loved very much and remembered them all by name.

We want to thank everyone that helped and prayed for us during this difficult time in my Mom’s final months.

Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held on May 21, 2026, at 9:30AM at Queen of Heaven Church, 5310 Claremont Ave NE