Michele Dawn Fenton Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beautiful mother after a long, courageous battle with vascular dementia. Michele Fenton, 82, passed away peacefully at home in Los Lunas, New Mexico, on January 24, 2026, with family by her side.
Michele Fenton was born in November 1943 in Albuquerque, NM, to Guillermeo Romero and Rebecca Aragon. She attended her high school years in Albuquerque, NM, and attended courses in Art and Psychology in San Diego, CA.
Michele is survived by her 4 beautiful children, Robbie Fenton, Kelly Fenton, and twins, Dawn and Denise Fenton, along with her 4 beloved grandchildren, Austin, Zachary, Dylana, and Gabriella, and her brother David Romero.
Michele is preceded in death by her father, Guillermeo Romero, her mother, Rebecca Aragon, and her brother, George Romero. She is also preceded in death by her sweet fur baby, Shih Tzu Crystal. She was not only her companion for more than 13 years, but also her sweet love.
Our mother embraced a life of adventure and travel, embarking on many journeys as a young Navy wife. Although she and our father later separated, she always cherished the memories and family experiences built during their travels, calling their young love the very love of her life, being incredibly thankful for their loving friendship that remained throughout the years. Our mother, through the years, followed her own spiritual journey, continuing to travel by air and sea with her adoring children, while also living her best life creatively through her love of art, books, and painting. She loved culture and the many cuisines that surrounded it. She had the biggest of hearts, and her presence was intoxicating, always drawing everyone in, just like the colorful, aromatic, exotic, fresh flowers she'd always have throughout her home. Pure beauty.
Mom was known for her flawless and graceful way around the kitchen, where she would whip up her delicious Spanish dishes that everyone endlessly craved. And, if she wasn't to be found in the kitchen, the garden is where she'd be, barefoot in the thick, tall green grass, holding a water hose or planting or pruning her flowers, vegetables, or simply nourishing them with a drink of water, as she enjoyed soaking in the warm rays of the sun on her face. Her passions were many... Jazz and blues music, the theater for a ballet or an opera, traveling to Paris for her favorite "French onion soup" while keeping one steady, excited eye on the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower.
Relaxing for Mom was watching a good old classic black and white movie (or her marathon of CNN) with a big bowl of popcorn (hot sauce and Dijon mustard in a tiny bowl to dip it in) or one of her other favorites of jalapeño poppers plated on one of her delicate bone china flowered plates sipping on her favorite champagne in her vintage crystal champagne glass circling herself with family, her sweet dog snuggled on her lap. But even with all that to fill her soul, line her heart, the true filling of her heart, the biggest passion and love she had was for her four children, her grandchildren. The strong love she had for her family was larger and lovelier than the bluest of skies, or brighter than the larger-than-life sunflowers she planted in her own backyard.
Her achievements were numerous, but they were ones that many women would be incredibly proud of. Not only did she take on the responsibilities of managing four children and being a Nana to her grandchildren, but she was also a corporate trailblazer, playing major roles in leadership and management, as well as lending a helping hand and a listening ear to the world of fashion. She was and will always be known as "The Tiger Lady.".
She was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew her.". Her radiant spirit was matched only by her capacity to love, to give. To us, she will always be remembered as a woman of extraordinary grace, beauty, and strength, as mom, nana, living life with the utmost passion and joy. To our mom, we say, "You may be gone, but thank you for all these soft, sweet things you left behind... in our hearts. Thank you for being you, being mom. Though you are gone from our sight, you are never and will ever be gone from our hearts. WE simply say, rest in peace, for you are our truest love!".
