<div><strong>A Final Goodbye: Bringing Our Mother Home to the Philippines</strong>
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<div>It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mother, Maria Carmen Romero. True to her nature, she fought throughout the days she was comatose, but eventually succumbed to the devastating effects of an ischemic stroke.
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<div>As her six children, we feel a deep void in our lives, yet we come together to celebrate her life and memory with the dignity and love she truly deserves.
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<div><strong>Our Goal: Breakdown of Funds</strong>
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<div>We are seeking to raise $50,000 to respectfully honor her passing and fulfill her final wish through three stages of remembrance:
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<div><strong>Cremation $5,000+ (Immediate Need)</strong>
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<div>Cremation services at St Mary's Catholic Cemetery and Funeral Home.
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<div><strong>Memorial Service and Celebration of Life </strong>
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<div>Bringing together family, friends, and loved ones to celebrate Carmen’s life with dignity and gratitude.
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<div><strong>Final Resting Place in the Philippines</strong>
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<div>In Spring 2026, all six of Carmen's children will bring her ashes to the Manila Memorial Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her parents, Nancy Irving (<em>Lola</em>) and Francisco Romero (<em>Lolo</em>). 
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<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>
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<div>Your donation, no matter the amount, makes a meaningful difference. Please consider:
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<li>Contributing directly to help us reach our goal
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<li>Sharing this GoFundMe with friends, family, and community networks
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<li>Keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time
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<div>Your generosity helps us bring light and closure in the midst of our grief.
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<div><strong>About Carmen “Mennen” Romero</strong>
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<div>Our mother, Carmen, was our guiding force, who taught us how to be courageous and kind. She was generous friend and a loyal baby sister. She exuded a joyful and free spirit. May her memory be a blessing, and may she rest in eternal peace.
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<div><strong><em>Maraming salamat po</em></strong>
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<div>Melissa, Vincent, Megan, Mercedes, Merielle, and Merrienne
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<div>We thank you deeply for your compassion, kindness, and prayers.
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/95436937_1760973254856472_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
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Joanne Yee

Danny (Daniel) Natalie, Omar, Olivia and Mila Alegre

Anonymous

Ryan Meim

Daniel Alegre

Nancy Hipol and Family and Dianna Romero and Grace Valdez Hipol

Tep Kahue

Lizzie Quiroz

Uncle Ramon Auntie Baby and Family Romero

Rachel Stewart

Christopher Belkas

Claire Hoyt

Ausdon Thong

Celine Milla

Help Carmen's Children Lay Her to Rest in the Philippines

Help Carmen's Children Lay Her to Rest in the Philippines

Still $3,947 to go. Help us build momentum.