Betty was born in Alabama to Roy and Ruth Kelly, the 2nd of 7 children. She was raised in Crafton, Pennsylvania. Betty left Crafton at age 20 and moved for a job in Los Alamos, New Mexico. There she met Leonard Romero at a community dance. They married in 1952 and moved to southern California in 1954. Initially settling in Inglewood, CA and eventually moving to Irvine, CA in 1972. Betty lived in the same house for 53 years, raising three children, Jim, Michelle, and Gene.

Betty worked as a medical secretary in pathology labs. She went back to college in her forties to UC Irvine and graduated with a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from USC in 1980 at the age of 49. Her desire to work with children led her to open Irvine Therapy Services in 1980. It was one of the first clinics in Orange County for children with disabilities that specialized in Sensory Integration therapy. Betty retired in 1996 and the clinic continues to this day.

Betty was a parishioner of St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. She was active in many ministries including teaching Bible study, choir, parish council, lending library, St Vincent De Paul, and OC Women's Auxiliary. Her faith was very important to her and she led by example.

Betty enjoyed spending time with her family and hosting Thanksgiving dinners with large extended family. As the matriarch of her siblings, her home was the gathering place. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren which brought her immense joy.

Betty is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leonard Romero. She is survived by her children Jim of Wilsonville, OR, Michelle and husband Dana of Arroyo Grande, CA, and Gene of Queen Creek, AZ, 8 Grandchildren and 7 Great Grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 pm at O'Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA.

Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 11:00 am at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 9 Hillgate, Irvine, CA. Reception following mass in the church hall. Graveside service at 2:00 pm at Pacific View Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Dr, Corona Del Mar, CA.