On December 9, 2021, our beloved Darlene Bernadette Ortiz Teaford Romero, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away in Lompoc, California.  In the loving arms of Jesus Christ, Darlene was born in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland to Joe Ortiz and Edythe Snyder Ortiz on October 28, 1949.

After graduating high school, she married Michael Teaford and had three daughters. Christina Teaford, Kimberly Teaford Bravo and Allyson Teaford. She has four amazing grandchildren, Misty McKinnon, Daniel Bravo, Michael Bravo and Breanna Bravo and beautiful great granddaughter, Hannah McKinnon.  Later in life, she met and married Frank Romero in Corona, California.

Darlene was a creative, talented, and beautiful woman.  At a young age, she was clearly an entrepreneur in every way always thinking outside the box. She loved crafts, art, singing, painting, and most of all flowers.  Darlene had an eye for beauty and whatever she touched, was clearly a work of art.  Over the years, she has done hundreds of weddings alongside her dear friends making the bride's dream come to life. She inspired people with her crazy sense of humor and made an impression on all who crossed her path. She was a breath of fresh air and the truest of all sisters to many.  Fly with the Angels, we will see you again in Heaven. If you look different, we will know you by your beautiful eyes. Rest in Peace and be whole our precious girl.

She is survived by her mother, Edythe Ortiz, sister Karol Ortiz, brothers Bruce Ortiz and Clark Ortiz, and sister Kathleen Carroll; her daughters Christina Teaford, Kimberly Bravo and Allyson Teaford; grandchildren Misty McKinnon, Daniel Bravo, Michael Bravo, Breanna Bravo, and great granddaughter Hannah McKinnon along with a host of extended family.  She was preceded in death by her father Joe Ortiz, brothers William Ortiz and Mark Ortiz.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 1:00 pm at St Mary's Episcopal Church at 2800 Harris Grade Road in Lompoc.