CHARLES COUNTY, Md. – This is to advise that Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins, II, Esq. ordered the Charles County flag to be lowered to half-staff effective immediately and returned to full-staff at sunset on August 3, 2026 to honor Kathleen “Kathy” Carole Romero, Stockroom Clerk, Purchasing.
Kathleen (Kathy) Carole Romero, 77, of Charlotte Hall, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.
Born on December 30, 1948, in Washington, D.C., Kathy was the beloved daughter of the late Robert McLaughlin and Margaret McLaughlin.
Kathy is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, David Romero; her son, Robert Romero and daughter-in-law Meg; and her cherished grandchildren, Matthew Romero and Rebecca Romero, who brought immeasurable joy to her life.
Kathy grew up in Washington, D.C., and married the love of her life, David Romero, on June 17, 1967. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. In 1971, they made Charles County their home, where Kathy spent many happy years. She began her career with the Government Printing Office before joining Charles County Government, where she worked from 1987 until her retirement in 2010.
A faithful member of St. Mary’s Newport Catholic Church, Kathy found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved reading, taking long walks, spending time at the beach, and surrounding herself with animals. Her compassionate heart led her to volunteer with Pets on Wheels and Meals on Wheels, sharing her kindness with people and bringing comfort through the companionship of visiting pets.
Above all, Kathy treasured her family. She delighted in every moment spent with her grandchildren, whether supporting them from the sidelines at their sporting events or simply enjoying time together. Her love for them was constant, unwavering, and unconditional.
Kathy had a remarkable gift for loving animals with her whole heart. To her, pets were family, and she found joy, comfort, and companionship in every wagging tail, gentle purr, and quiet nuzzle. Her kindness extended to everyone she met, and her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering compassion left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, service, and kindness will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kathy’s life on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, 211 St. Mary’s Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at St. Mary’s Newport Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Charles County, honoring Kathy’s lifelong love and compassion for animals. (www.humanesocietycc.org)
Online condolences may be shared with the family at arehartechols.com
Services
Visitation
Monday
August 3, 2026
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, P.A.
211 St. Mary’s Ave.
LA PLATA, Maryland 20646
Funeral Service
Monday
August 3, 2026
11:00 AM
Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, P.A.
211 St. Mary’s Ave.
LA PLATA, Maryland 20646
Interment following funeral service
Monday
August 3, 2026
St. Mary’s Church-Newport
11555 St. Mary’s Church Rd.
Charlotte Hall, MD 20622