Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend was received into the Lord’s loving embrace on June 15, 2017. 

Sulema was born on November 7, 1914, to Sefarino and Libradita Leyba in Las Trampas, NM. 

“Sue” as she was known by her family and community held the familiar titles of “Grandma,” “Tia,” “Gramma,” “Abuela,” and “Mom.”  She was a devout Catholic and attended church regularly until she was 101.  She was married and widowed twice, having loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Sue will be remembered as a resilient woman, with all the charm and fortitude of a woman connected with her family, church, and a life long member of the La Union Protectiva.

Sulema is survived by her daughter Olivia (John) Romero; eight grandchildren Ray J. Romero, J. Chris Romero, Carlos J. Romero, Mary Stehling, Paul Cruz, Joe Cruz, Orlando Cruz, and Larry Cruz; and granddaughter Katie Elson; twelve grandchildren Sofia Romero, Marisa Romero, Vincent Romero, Bianca Romero, Maxwell C. Romero, John M. Romero, Christina Coleman, Adam Stehling, Loren Prince, Tommy Cruz, Ian Cruz, and Alicia Cruz. Many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews will remember her dearly with hearts full of love.

Sulema is reuniting in heaven with those who preceded her in death: her first husband Fernando Cruz, her second husband Raynaldo Romero, her seven sisters, her two brothers, as well as her son and daughter: Rossinaldo and Mary Cruz.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Kullman as well as the Hospice nurses for helping her with her final steps in her journey.

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