Maria Elena Romero, 71, of Campbell, CA went Home with the Lord on February 18, 2021.  Maria was born to Pascuala and Vincent Mauricio in Salinas, CA.  She was the eldest of 7 children.  She loved living in Salinas and used to tell stories of the tree she played on in the backyard and how she used that time to talk to God. She lived there until she was 8 years old, then the family moved to San Jose, CA.

Maria was a Letter Girl in high school and had a lot of school spirit!  She had many friends and used to share stories of when she was in the school talent show and the house parties that she and her friends had.  She went on to college and graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor's Degree.  She had 3 main careers; a Realtor, Business Owner, and Teacher.  She loved all three careers, but loved teaching the most because she wanted to be an influential part in the children's lives.  She was also active in the church, and started teaching catechism after she graduated high school and all throughout her adult life.

Maria is known by her family and friends to have always been uplifting, positive, a good listener, witty, funny, goofy, and professional, all in one.  She always wanted to help everyone who needed it.  She was quick on wit, and quick to respond.  She lived in the present and made good use of her time while here. She had a contagious laugh that made everyone smile. If her friends said, "Let's go to …" she was ready to go!  She would try to go to all of the concerts, art & wine festivals, and jazz festivals that would come to town.  Oh, and she had every art & wine glass to prove it!  She enjoyed visiting Disneyland often and Half Moon Bay was a high favorite.  She loved the beach and the ocean air.  She would share how it reminded her of the Monterey Bay where she was from.  She enjoyed being around her family and friends, and loved her friends like family.

Most of all, Maria will be remembered by friends and family for her love of music, family, movies, popcorn, family games of poker, her travels, peanut m&m's, the beach, and her knack for giving nicknames to everyone.  She will also be remembered for the one who always brought the family together on Christmas to gather around a special birthday cake and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus!  A Christmas tradition that will continue on because of her.

Maria truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures like chatting with friends, spending time with family, and being adventurous on her outings. She will be dearly missed, always loved, and always remembered.

Maria is survived by her daughter Regina (Jerry),  her grandchildren, Alyssa, Kalena (Carolina), Nina, and Isaiah, her two brothers, Vincent Jr. (Josie) and Benjamin (Patty), her four sisters, Marisela, Cristina (Ron), Cecilia (Michael), and Rosalia (Raymond), many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and aunts Virgina (Martin) and Angela.