Erlinda Marie Romero Lopez

Let us tell you about our mom and what a truly amazing person she was to all who loved and admired her. She served as a guiding light to so many people during her 81 years of life and the world was a better place because she was in it for us and you.

When Erlinda, or Linda as she was known to her family and friends, came into the world at the Oceanside Community Hospital, all of the nurses proclaimed her to be the most beautiful baby at the hospital and the perfect Father’s Day present. Her parents, Josefina “Josie” Foussat Romero and Frank Romero would often share stories about their third daughter - her childhood adventures, friends, beauty, sense of humor, and her love of cats. She had five siblings: Carmen Mojado, MaryAnn Lopez, Fred Romero, Julia Gomez and Christine Sotelo. Her childhood was spent in Vista, California where she attended school, worked and had many friendships. She, like her siblings, worked various jobs to help pay for their expenses and, like her siblings, was surrounded by love and laughter from her parents and many, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

At 18 years old, a senior in high school, she was voted Best Looking by the Vista High School Class of 1960 and dreamed about joining the Peace Corps. She wanted to travel the world and help people. But destiny had something else in mind. After graduation, Linda met George Lopez of Oceanside, California, who she would later describe as, “my prince.” From there, Linda commenced a life on a ride she never wanted to end – her life would be full of adventure, love, romance, and community. At 19 years of age, on November 18, 1961, she married the love of her life, and together, they raised a family of four independent, intelligent and beautiful daughters: Terri Lopez-D’Andrea, Carrie Lopez, Sherrie Romo and Merri Lopez-Keifer.

As a wife and mother of four children, Linda has been described as being a “cool cucumber” to the embodiment of “Mary Tyler-Moore.” She was the epitome of a calm force and the perfect hostess. Anyone whoever had the pleasure of visiting with Linda can attest to these characteristics. She always made you feel at ease and at home when you were in her presence. She truly loved everyone, and everyone respected, admired and loved Linda.

When her youngest daughter started school, Linda returned to work. She began a career with the Oceanside Unified School District that would culminate in nearly 30 years of service. Her career choices always supported a life where she could be a productive member of the community, and be present and a provider for her children. Her co-workers loved her and often reminisced about how wonderful it was to work alongside her and how Linda would inevitably and remarkably make everyone feel like family. She inspired many with her dedication to her craft, and was greatly respected for her commitment to education, her drive to seek and attain career promotions and professional achievements.

Linda was also a treasured tribal elder of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians. Her skills of leadership and extensive knowledge of food management and hospitality helped create a trademark of the San Luis Rey Band’s Annual Inter-Tribal Powwow as an event that valued the traditions and kinship of tribal people. Linda was in charge of Food & Hospitality for the Powwow’s dancers, drums and their families and was integral for the successful welcoming of tribal families to the Host Dinner from the Powwow’s beginning in 1999. With Linda’s commitment, and the other elders of the Tribe, the Powwow has grown over the last two decades into a community event that not only helps bring awareness of the Tribe to the surrounding communities, but also provides a safe place for cultural sharing. Linda was incredibly proud of being a tribal elder and how the Tribe is reclaiming the traditions of her ancestors.

Travel and romance were also incredibly important to Linda and she did both happily and memorably with her prince. Together, they traveled the world and began the incredibly romantic tradition of gathering and bringing home sand from their many different travels, including the Bahamas, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Rico, Lands End, Kona, Maui, Aruba, Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Martha’s Vineyard, Acapulco, Costa Rica, and Kahana, to name just a few. These were special times for George and Linda, and they cherished the memory of each destination and adventure.

After both Linda and George’s retirements, George built Linda her dream home in Fallbrook. Their beautiful home was central to all holiday and family gatherings. It is a treasured home and a living testament to their shared values: commitment to education, commitment to community, commitment to service of others, and most importantly, commitment to family.

Family was key to everything for Linda. Raising her daughters in Oceanside and supporting their achievements, and being there to witness each of their quests to realize their own dreams were some of her proudest moments as a mother and a woman. But, to her delight she was also very happy to welcome four sons into her family: John D’Andrea, John De La Cruz, Bill Romo and Mikel Keifer. Yet, the happiness those four sons brought her, could not compare to the overwhelming joy and pride Linda experienced as a grandmother and great-grandmother, and becoming “Mamá.” Linda and George were proud grandparents to 13 grandchildren: Jonathon D’Andrea, Tierra D’Andrea, Cristina Villalobos, Chris De La Cruz, Stacie Barreiro, Brad De La Cruz, Blake De La Cruz, William Romo, Rose Marie Romo, George Romo, Max Keifer, Jack Keifer, and Shawn Keifer; and their 6 great-grandchildren: Paxton Barreiro, Finnley Barreiro, Auri De La Cruz, Ozzy De La Cruz, Adelina Villalobos and Alaїa Villalobos.

In March of 2024, George passed away. George had been the love of Linda’s life for a little over six decades. What had started out as a chance meeting at a beach bonfire, quickly transcended into a life she could have never imagined. A life filled with laughter, joy, adventure and children- so many children. Together, they made every day, every moment, and every getaway memorable- whether it was their special time reading the Sunday paper and enjoying a cup of coffee, or collecting sand from the beaches of their many adventures, Linda’s prince always made her feel exceptional. And in turn, Linda always made those she loved and admired feel exceptional, too.

Linda's family, friends, and relatives have all benefited from her generously sharing her unique perspective on life, her rich experiences, her delicious recipes, and her infectious laughter. Her love of music, travel, good food and “happy hour” will forever be remembered as part of the light she bestowed upon us and guided us with throughout our lives and the lives she touched.

As we leave you now, in honor of Erlinda- daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, cousin, grand & great-grandmother, and a vibrant guiding light to so many, please raise your glasses: In Linda’s honor, - May you LIVE fully, LAUGH often, and LOVE always.