Patsy Romero

1944 - 2023

PATSY ROMERO

March 25, 1944 October 20, 2023

Bakersfield Patsy (aka Emma Patricia Gonzales) was born on March 25, 1944, in Bakersfield, California. Patsy started...

Wait a minute...This sounds so basic and traditional. Patsy was anything BUT basic and traditional. Well, maybe traditional in some ways, but not in the way she lived her life.

When we think of our mom, or what she was called by her daughters and grandson (Mamma, Goose, Mimi's, and Grammy), or what she was called by her adoring husband, Henry (Babe, Babies, Babycious, The Love of my Life, My Love, My Princess, Precious Apple, Pumpkin Pie, Thumbelina), it's literally impossible to define her in a few words. If we did, some words that come to mind are...

Altruistic, Optimistic, a Genuine Mexican, the Real Deal with Sex Appeal, Dedicated, Educated, Innovative, Collaborative, Celebrated, and Decorated, Courageous and Contagious, Invincible, Individual, Resourceful, Forceful, Inspiring, Admiring, Brilliant, Resilient, Passionate, Compassionate, and of course, A Unique Antique...

In more recent years, our mom often referred to herself as One-Titty-Patty because it represented her battle and triumph over breast cancer, for which she was a staunch advocate.

That said, we would also like to honor her with a homage to her name.

One-Titty-Patty was selfless. Her concern for others sincere. Devoted to a cause so dear to her heart, she spent years on finding a cure.

One-Titty-Patty was potent. Her virtue and hope inherent. Prevailing to the end, she'd never pretend, from the start this was always apparent.

One-Titty-Patty was buoyant. Like elastic she bounced right back. She was quick to recover. We all gotta love her, even though she had half of a rack.

One-Titty-Patty was special. She was truly one of a kind. Unlike no other, whether friend, boss, or mother, no other like her will you find.

Some of the things Our Mamma loved...

Eating mashed potatoes and cheeseburgers, drinking milk and Miller Lite, staying in Gulf Shores, San Francisco, Kona, and Oceanside, hanging at The Haunted Head Saloon, reading books, and listening to music, especially George Benson. And, of course, spending as much time as possible at the ocean with the love of her life, where the crashing waves and cool breeze would soothe their souls.

But, we mustn't forget her truest love of all, besides us, and that of course would be FOOTBALL. One-Titty-Patty was especially fond of the 49ers and Alabama. If you wanted to watch a game, you couldn't ask for a better companion than Our Goose! Her love of the game was contagious. She knew every team, every player, and every stat. You name it, and she knew it. She was a football almanac turned woman.

Our Mimi's is well known by many and has left her mark in numerous places and with many people. Her wish is to have all her friends and family carry on her legacy, and never stop fighting cancer until We Find a Cure!

Our Grammy was the last to give a speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. in 2019, in honor of finding a cure for cancer, which kicked off the year's ACS CAN Lights of Hope event.

Although she has received countless awards and recognition for all her ongoing work as a volunteer for the ACS, her greatest honor was in 2014, when she received the prestigious St. George National Award. This award is presented to exceptional ACS volunteers across the country who were nominated for their dedication, passion and innovation, and have demonstrated ongoing leadership that has significantly contributed to furthering the ACS's strategic goals and mission-driven programs.

One-Titty-Patty's last crusade as a longtime Blue-Zone advocate was working to get the Bakersfield City Council to adopt the country's Tobacco Retailer's Permit, which prohibits any sale of tobacco products without a valid permit.

Holding store owners accountable was very important to Our Babycious, especially being that many products were sold to those under the age of 21 and within school zones. She felt this ordinance would make all the difference in the world, while protecting our youth and leaders of tomorrow.

The love of our lives' was preceded in death by her parents, Alfonso and Trini Gonzales, her sister, Mary Ellen Valladares, her brothers, Alfonso Gonzales Jr. (Big Al), Raymond Gonzales, and her loving cat, Cow. She is survived by the love of her life, soulmate, best friend, and husband, Henry Romero Jr., her three daughters, Catherine Rey (Kitty), Cynthia Rey (Chen), and Trina Marie Rey, her favorite and only grandson, Cooper Montana Rey, her younger sister Irene Gonzales (Sam), extended family, Jose, Janet, and Alex Chavez, and numerous family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, One-Titty-Patty requested donations be made to the ACS Relay Team - Survivor Bakersfield.

Survivor Bakersfield link: https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?fr_id=107284&pg=team&team_id=2701723

Our Precious Apple would also like to thank all teachers, who she believes are the true heroes of the world because they are the ones who hold the power to shape and mold the futures of all people, one student at a time.

We would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Desai, all the staff at the Rio Bravo Cancer Center (RBCC), and Father Theo from St. Francis Church.

Cancer cannot be stated as the cause of death on a death certificate, which was one of One-Titty-Patty's biggest frustrations. While she was a two-time breast cancer survivor, she wanted it known that Small Cell Lung Cancer, and no other medical condition, was the cause of her death.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, November 3rd, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Francis Church located at 900 H Street. The burial will be held at 11:00 am at Greenlawn Cemetery located at 3700 River Blvd, with the reception following at the Eagles Hall located at 1718 17th Street.

Funeral attire which captures the spirit of Relay, the San Francisco 49ers, or Alabama Crimson Tide is encouraged!

www.bakersfield.com/obits