Suzanne Desrocher Romero, the widow of legendary horror director George A. Romero, passed away on June 24 at her home in Toronto after a prolonged illness. She was 76. The news was confirmed by Christ Roe Management and the George A. Romero Foundation in a social media statement.
Preserving a Cinematic Legacy
Desrocher Romero served as the leader of the George A. Romero Estate and founded the George A. Romero Foundation, a 100% volunteer organization dedicated to preserving her husband's cinematic legacy. The foundation supports creatives in the horror genre. In May, she wrote: 'I continue to feel the passion of everyone working to advance George’s legacy as we support creatives in the horror space. Thank you all for making that possible!'
Personal and Professional Union
Desrocher Romero met Romero while he was filming Land of the Dead in 2005. They married six years later, in September 2011, on Martha's Vineyard. She was his third wife. The couple lived in Toronto, and in 2009, Romero acquired Canadian citizenship, becoming a dual Canada-U.S. citizen. Romero died on July 16, 2017, after a brief battle with lung cancer.
Tributes and Fan Reactions
The announcement prompted an outpouring of grief from fans. One Facebook user wrote: 'Oh nooooo. That’s so sad to hear. May she be at peace and with George again, with both smiling down upon us.' Another said: 'What a sad day, at least they are together again. Thank you both for making my childhood awesome.' A third fan added: 'Rest In Peace, Suzanne. George is waiting at the pearly gates in his director's chair.'
Fans also expressed hope for the production of Romero's final script, Twilight of the Dead. One commenter noted: 'I know she was working to get George's last script produced... Hopefully it sees the light one day and the film should be dedicated to both Mr & Mrs Romero.'
Foundation's Statement
The foundation's statement read: 'It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Suzanne Desrocher Romero. Suzanne passed away from natural causes on June 24 at her home in Toronto after a prolonged illness. Suzanne was the fierce leader of the George A. Romero Estate and The George A. Romero Foundation. She worked tirelessly to preserve George’s legacy. Her work at the foundation will continue to inspire and live on for generations to come. The family asks for privacy at this time.'
