Antoinette Romney, cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend passed away surrounded by her beloved children and siblings on Friday, March 13, 2020, at the age of 64 in Gilbert, Arizona. A private, family service will be held in her honor to celebrate her wonderful life, well-lived.
Antoinette was born September 27, 1955 to Nellie Spilsbury Romney and Irvin “Doe” Burrell Romney in Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, fulfilling many roles and responsibilities throughout her lifetime. Antoinette had a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and eternal families. Antoinette dedicated her life to her family. They were always her number one priority.
She graduated high school from Academia Juarez in Colonia Juarez in 1974 as salutatorian. After high school, Antoinette attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and graduated with a B.A. in Political Science. She moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1979 and raised her three children whom she loved and adored with all her heart. She graduated from Arizona Summit Law School with a Juris Doctorate degree in 2016. Throughout her life, Antoinette enjoyed playing tennis, basketball, and riding her horse through the beautiful countryside in Mexico. She also enjoyed musicals, playing the piano, traveling the world, following politics, and especially BYU Football.
Her greatest joys in life were her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews. She always knew that people should come first in life and showed tender kindness to all those around her. She spent countless holidays and vacations going “Home” to Mexico to be with her most treasured people, her family.
She is survived by her three children, Melissa Lyn Schofield, Crystal Lee Gourley, Landon Schofield, two beautiful grandchildren—whom she adored with all her heart—siblings, Maurine Hoffman, Kelly Romney, Shirlee Romney, Jeneanne Brooks, Leighton Romney and countless nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Antoinette is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Lurlene Steele and Meredith Romney, and brother-in-law David Hoffman.
We love you, Mom! You have left a huge hole in our hearts and the world will never be the same without you. We will miss your kindness, beauty, laughter, smile, hugs, kisses, wisdom, and gorgeous blonde hair. You are the most amazing mother any child could ask for. You have been our biggest cheerleader in life. We will always cherish our memories of you here on earth and can’t wait until we meet again in heaven.
I was so sad to read of Antoinette’s passing. Had heard she was ill but was shocked to read she had passed away. What a beautiful woman she was! So strong and faithful!! We had many fun times serving together in callings. Love to all you kids! So hard for you!!
Oh how we loved this gorgeous precious sister. All of our prayers and love at this time❤️
When I think about your mom, I think of a graceful athlete, an accomplished musician, the only girl in a boy band at the JSA, gorgeous blond hair, always a lady, a fun sense of humor, a good friend, a love of family, and a slow, sweet smile. Somebody who was courageous and wasn’t afraid to begin a new career at a time when some are thinking about retirement. Melissa, Crystal, and Landon, I know she loves you and she is proud of each of you. She taught you everything you need to do to be an eternal family. She will be rooting for you on the other side of the veil and we will be doing the same here!
Fly with the Angels , beautiful soul
You were so loved and will never be forgotten
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! She is a wonderful lady! Always so kind and loving to all!
What a very special friend your mother was! We were neighbors in Col Juarez. Went to school together. I always thought she was one of the most beautiful women inside and out. May your hearts be filled with peace, understanding and comfort! She was indeed one of the best!
Oh this news makes me so sad! I love your momma too and she does have the most GORGEOUS thick blonde hair! She is one classy lady. Always spreading words and acts of kindness everywhere she went. She has a calming, graceful influence and she radiates beauty inside and out. I remember being so impressed to hear she went back to school and earned a law degree. She is one remarkable woman.
Your mother was a wonderful role model. My favorite memories as a young teenager was playing tennis with her. She was such a beautiful person inside and out. Praying for each of you, that you may be comforted during this very difficult time
We are grieving along with you. We pray for you to feel peace and comfort and to know where your mother is and what she is busy doing. Our love to you, Melissa, Crystal and Landon.
Antoinette was an kind, graceful and elegant lady. She was a good friend and will be missed.
Many of my most cherished memories are of my time spent at the Academy and she was a big part of that. My most heartfelt condolences to her children and siblings.
My love and prayers go out to you all, especially her children Melissa, Crystal, and Landon. I loved the many, many times you guys would come to visit us down home and seeing you here and there since we’ve grown up. Your family was always so much fun to hang out with! I’ve always thought of your mother as such a beautiful and accomplished lady in every sense. Did you know that she lived down the street from me in my ward for just a little while in San Michelle off of Higley and asked me to come over and check on her dog once? I hope the peace from the comforting spirit can fill your hearts at this time. ❤️
She was a special lady. I am so sad to hear that she left this world far too Young. Sending love to the family.
So sorry to hear of Antoinette’s leaving. I remember her as such a beautiful girl. My sympathy to her children and family. May God give you the strength to overcome this moment.
What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful mother. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered. Big hugs to the whole family.
I was stunned and saddened when I heard the news of your mom‘s passing. After all she’d been through with her cancer treatment, I wanted her to start enjoying life. I know how much she loved her kids. #1 in her life. Melissa, Crystal, Landon—You were her world-and she was so proud of you and her new grandbabies. She could not have been happier with her beautiful children and their support.
When I think of Antoinette, I think of beauty and grace. I always thought she was so stylish. I remember walking down the street in Casas and hearing the men comment in Spanish about her very white hair, not knowing we could understand them. We got a chuckle about that. She was so athletic, a gifted musician, and so smart. She got her law degree when most people are thinking about retiring. Like I said, she was so smart. She will be sorely missed, but always loved, and never forgotten. Keep her close in your heart and I know she will watch over you also. She had quite a few family loving arms to greet her.
My condolences
I was so sad to hear of the passing of Antoinette. She was a very special lady and will be missed by many. We send our love and sympathy.
I am saddened to hear about the departure of Antoinette. We were in the same grade at the Academy when we were teenagers. Regardless of my limited English at the time, I was able to experience Antoinette’s genuine friendship. She had this dignify grace about her. Her appearance and demeanor were undeniable beautiful and almost royal. Her strongest influence was her kind spirit. This is how I remember my dear classmate and friend Antoinette. My most sincere condolences.
We are rejoice in the true success of students and neighbors and look forward to the time of a great reunion. May we all stay faithful!
Condolences to your family at this time.
I am so sad to hear about Antoinnette’s passing. We were classmates together at the academia. I always enjoyed her cheerful attitude and calm nature. She was a girl with so many outstanding talents and abilities. She was truly a light and a wonderful example to all met her. My deepest condolences to the whole family.
Melissa,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May the memories of your mother along with the love of family, give you strength in the days ahead.
Adam
I was so shocked and sorry to hear this sad news, I had no idea she had been ill. She was a wonderful lady, we love her, and ALL your family very much. I feel your deep sense of loss as I lost my own dear Mother when she was just 50. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we pray for your comfort and peace at this tender time. Wish we could be there with you. We’re always here for you! Much love, Pam Held and family
So many wonderful memories with Aunt Nette. Some of my favorites are when she warned us to stay away from Brandon’s boa constrictor because it could swallow us whole, when Grandma’s stove made a loud pop and she yelled “it’s gonna blow!”, and always being terrified of thunder and lightening. She always made an effort to be at every wedding, graduation, birthday party, and any other large family gathering. She will be missed ❤️
I’m heart broken to hear of Nette’s passing! So many cherished memories of growing up together in Colonia Juarez! She was a true friend and confidant. Till we meet again!
Leighton, no tuve el gusto de conocerla, pero tu familia es muy importante para mi, recibe mis condolencias, que el Señor les de la fuerza para sobrellevar este lamentable suceso, descanse en paz
I was stunned to hear of Antoinette’s passing. Although she is my cousin, I got to know her in our FHE group at BYU. I was so proud of her graduation from law school and I know how much she treasured her children and grandkids. We shared a love for BYU sports and particularly loved following her great nephews success on the team. Blessings to her family and loved ones. Antoinette was one of Heavenly Father’s choicest daughters. I will miss her laugh and our shared pride in being members of the Romney family.
I did not have the joy of meeting Antoinette–but I do have the joy of knowing her sister Maurine. My heart goes out to you, Maurine, and all of Antoinette’s family members. Losing someone so dear leaves such a hole in our hearts! I am sending prayers to speed her onto her next great adventure, and prayers to each of you for peace.
We are so sorry to hear of Antoinnette’s passing. We send deep condolences to family and friends.
Sad news for a very accomplished lady and her family Maurine, her sister, is our precious Registrar, Oak Creek Chapter, National Daughters of the Revolution. Our condolences.
I was shocked and heartbroken at the news of your mom’s passing. Not only cousins, we were best friends. She was unique, talented, kind, and loved and yes , beautiful blonde hair.
She was smart but most of all she was a mother. She was proud of them. Remember her love, it lives on in your hearts. She will forever be with you.
Waving your sweet spirit on, Antoinette. My love to all the Romneys during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear about this, Maurine! I know how wonderful she was because I know how wonderful you are!
So sad to hear this, I mostly remember her when my dad “Pop” took us to visit in Colonia Juarez, so many fond memories, she was a sweet, beautiful person with a lovely family, we reconnected on Facebook. My love and most sinceré condolences, Janie
Antoinette had a huge impact on me in my youth. She was soft spoken yet had a huge heart full of love. I am so sorry she has been taken from her children and grand babies.