Nancy Priscilla Romero

Nancy was born to Isidro and Cecilia Romero on February 11, 1956, in Socorro, NM.

Nancy enjoyed camping and fishing with her family in her early years. She took up the game of golf at age 10 in the Socorro city program taught by Lee Olson, the Socorro pro, “because my mother suggested I try it”. “I told her I didn’t like golf and she said, ‘Well, try it. You’ve never tried it. “It took just one time.” The rest, as they say, is history. Nancy was the catalyst in getting a girls’ golf team started at Socorro High School, and in setting the standards for girl’s golf in her hometown. She graduated from Socorro High School in 1974 after being a member of the Socorro High School golf team for four years.

She was the first female athlete to receive a full-ride golf scholarship to UNM in 1974 and played in many collegiate tournaments. After the second day of competing at the AIAW Collegiate Championship in 1977, she decided to go fishing and caught a 525 lb. Marlin off the coast of Honolulu.

Nancy graduated from UNM in 1978. After graduation, Nancy had a career in education, teaching PE and Science. She received her master’s degree in educational leadership and enjoyed her role as Principal of several APS schools and later as the Director of Gil Sena Charter School. During her working years, she continued to golf on weekends and summer vacations.

On the 50th anniversary of the State Amateur Golf Tournament in Los Alamos, NM, in 1992, Nancy and a fellow competitor, who described Nancy as one of her heroes, were playing in the Championship Match. Nancy won on the 14th hole and celebrated her win with the many past champions who were in town for the 50th year celebration of this event (including LPGA member Kathy Whitworth, a prior winner). Nancy won a total of 9 State Amateur Championships. While on vacation in California in 2013, Nancy played the courses, Spyglass Hill, Spanish Bay, and Pebble Beach. On October 7, 2013, while playing Pebble Beach, she did indeed birdie the 7th hole.

Nancy was also an avid fisherwoman. She enjoyed fishing with her family at Quemado Lake, as well as Elephant Butte. On the many vacations she took, whether it was with her nephews and/or her partner, she always planned a fishing excursion.

Nancy loved the company of several Springer Spaniels during her life and especially loved her current standard poodles.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, Isidro and Cecilia Romero.

She is survived by her partner of 23 years, Connie J “Chic” Hansen; brothers Frank Gallegos and partner Frances Gurule, Benny Romero; David Romero and wife Magdalene; nephews Jacob Romero and fiancée Gabrielle Baca, and Kaleb Romero. She is also survived by her walking companions, Apollo and his brother, JohnLee.

Special thanks to the care Nancy received at the Amaran Memory Care facility, and shout-outs to Leeann, Kimberly, Jennifer, Veronica, Noel, Cheyenne, Ashley, Carolyn, and many others involved in her care.

Gratitude to Legacy Hospice, who cared for her during the past year and a half, thanking Kayla, Cynthia, Lucky, and Dr. J.

Nancy was a competitor until the very end, much like she was in golf and fishing. As sad as it is in her passing; she is without pain, and her mind is restored.

As per her wishes, there will be no services.

Memorial donations in her name may be made to: Socorro Warrior Golf, 119 Mustang Drive, Socorro, NM 87801; checks made out to Warrior Golf and write Lady Warriors in the note section of your check; or Animal Humane NM, 615 Virginia St SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.

Special thanks to Neptune Society Albuquerque for cremation arrangements. A video of Nancy is on the Neptune website.