Janet Stein Romero
Janet Stein Romero, 80, passed away on July 9, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 28, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, she was one of a kind: an immensely talented artist, a beloved teacher, a literacy activist, and much, much more. She attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn and graduated from Connecticut College before following her star to New Mexico. While at graduate school at the University of New Mexico, she met her husband, Nicasio Romero, and after living off-grid in northern New Mexico in villages like Chacón and Ledoux, they settled outside Ribera in El Ancón. Their adobe home grew into an acequia-nourished oasis near the Pecos River. For many years, she and Nicasio hosted an outdoor sculpture show each summer where artists from around New Mexico showed their work. Wildly, brazenly creative, she continued painting and drawing throughout her life until it became physically impossible to continue doing so. As an art teacher in public schools in Las Vegas, and later at the United World College in Montezuma, she conveyed her love of art to generations of students. She often said that the cholos and miscreants were her favorites. Later in life, many of Janet’s students would come across her in places like the supermarket aisle or the doctor’s office and express their genuine appreciation for having been her students. She was active member of her community and a tireless advocate of education. Frustrated about the dearth of reading material in the libraries at schools her children attended, she got involved with the non-profit Reading Is Fundamental and drove a Bookmobile from village to village in northern New Mexico to provide free books to underserved residents. During the many visits she and Nicasio made to see family living in Venezuela and Brazil, she pieced together a collection of folk art. Arranged in the eclectic style of the fabled Barnes Foundation, the tapestries and paintings and wooden masks hang on the walls of the house in El Ancón, speaking back to us about her love of art in all its forms. She also knew tragedy, preceded in death by her daughter, Esther, who was taken from this world at a very young age. Esther was always in her thoughts, but Janet managed to subsequently find joy in so many things, starting with those who survived her: her husband, Nicasio; son Simon (wife Carolina) of Mexico City; daughter Emily of Albuquerque, and grandsons Lucas and Tomás. She was an anchor of the Jewish community in northeast New Mexico, leading Passover seders in Las Vegas, Montezuma and El Ancón. She was an extremely competitive Scrabble player, leaving the rest of us in the dust when it came to using all seven of her tiles. She loved street Carnival in Rio, doing yoga and pilates, finding gems in flea markets. After so many years in New Mexico, she retained her Brooklyn wit and aplomb. A Memorial to celebrate the life of Janet Stein Romero will be held on Sept. 14, at 12 noon, at the Old Town Mission Community Center located at 301 Socorro St. in Las Vegas, N.M. Condolences may be left for the family at nmcremation.com
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Condolences
Carmen Holguin August 03, 2024
Romero Family: I was shocked to hear of Janet’s passing. I won’t forget her colorful classroom at Middle School filled with reading materials and art work. Also, our trip to San Antonio to attend a Middle School conference and her demonstration work. She was a joy to know and work with. My deepest sympathy in your loss.
Ovidio August 03, 2024
Worked with her right next door for many years. Really thought the world of her. She was a beautiful lady. Wished we could have kept in touch more when we retired. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Sylvia Hawley Gutierrez and Robert Gutierrez July 16, 2024
Lo siento mucho por toda la familia de Janie. From Sylvia: Janie was so good to my son ,Ben Hawley ,when he was her art student at Robertson High School in Las Vegas NM. From Robert: Janie was an excellent teaching staff member at Robertson High school when I was Principal. Her students were very fond of her. We well miss Janie, as she was a wonderful artist and enjoyable character in Las Vegas.
Rosemarie Stoltze July 15, 2024
Dear Nicassio, Simon and Emily: David and I send our heartfelt condolences. I have many good memories of Janet related to Art. She was an amazing artist, teacher and friend. Sending love and light! Rosemarie and David 💖 🙏🕯️🌹
Merryl L Kravitz August 07, 2024
So sorry to hear about Janet! She was my twin! Everyone mistook me for her and vice versa. At least tw0-three times a year, someone would approach me and say something like, "You're the Art Teacher, right?". That's how we first met and that's how I'll always remember her. My sinerest condolences.
Helen V. MacLeod (Georgenes) August 16, 2024
Dear Nicassio and family - I am sad to hear of Janet’s passing. My deepest condolences to all.
Catherine Alexander August 24, 2024
Dear Nacasio I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Janie. Such a talented and interesting woman……she will be missed by many. My condolences to you and your family. Catherine Alexander
Fay Abrams September 13, 2024
Dear Nicasio and family, Many years ago, at the old Hills Gallery in Santa Fe, I saw some small pieces by Janet Stein Romero. I was intrigued and delighted by what I saw. Turns out she was friends with one of my dear friends, Jenny Lind. I was very pleased when she began serving on the Capitol Arts foundation board. Janet was an amazing woman and her art was exquisite. I am so sorry for your loss. Her memory is a blessing for us all. Much love ❤️ Fay Abrams
Judith (Judy) Ann Baca September 14, 2024
Dearest Primo Nicasio & family. My deepest condolences to you for the loss of your beloved Janie. She was such a beautiful soul who had quite an amazing journey in life! May the wonderful memories you shared together help to ease your sorrow. Please know that you & the family are in my prayers.
Dina Stein February 11, 2025
Dear Nicasio, I just learned about Janet's death. I am SOOO sorry. A few months ago, my husband Alan and I saw Simon interviewed on some TV documentary, and realized I hadn't contacted you guys in over a year. So I sent an email. No response. I resent it. Still no response. So this morning I decided to look you up online just to see if maybe you moved. Instead, I saw this posting. Janet (I still think of her as Janie) was such a special person. Always so full of life, so creative, so warm and welcoming--even when we were kids. I have such fond memories of visits with you guys, few an far-between though they may have been. I remember Janet's offer to paint a mural on the wall in my NYC apartment (I regret turning down the offer). I remember visits to you in Ribera and the days when you had to run to the store to receive calls from us. I remember how gracious you were when Alan's daughter Elizabeth and her husband George--then living in Albuquerque--joined us on one of the visits. I hope it's not too late for this email to reach you. The only other contact I have is Janet's email address, and I guess that no longer works. Our sincerest condolences to you and the family. Love, Dina and Alan