Arletta "Cookie" Romano's Obituary
Arletta “Cookie” Romano (Wood) passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, at the age of 84 at Mercy San Juan Hospital. Born on September 29, 1941, in Englewood, California, she spent most of her life in the Sacramento area, where she created a warm, joyful, and memorable life surrounded by family and friends.
Cookie lived a vibrant and multifaceted life. Over the years she worked in a variety of roles, including waitress, clothing model, and with the Sacramento Voters’ Registrar. Though she excelled in many jobs, what mattered most to her was the people in her life. She had a gift for listening deeply and offering honest, heartfelt thoughts — whether liked or not — and she approached every conversation with sincerity.
Cookie’s greatest joy was making others laugh, even during times when they didn’t think they could. She brought humor and light into every room, often repeating jokes or stories just to coax out another smile. Her hobbies were as colorful as her personality: tending to hummingbirds, feeding squirrels, caring for Miss Peggy, creating whimsical fairy gardens, painting, adding sparkles to nearly everything, and keeping her nails and hair beautifully done.
She cherished life’s simple pleasures — traveling, casino nights, cabin getaways, and peaceful evenings at home watching Jeopardy! with her life partner, Starr McConnell, with whom she shared 13 cherished years of love and adventure.
Cookie is preceded in death by her parents; her sons Jerry Lee, Frank, and Robert “Bobby” James; her four sisters; one brother; and her husband, Frank Romano Sr. She is survived by her beloved life partner Starr McConnell, her daughters and their spouses, her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many others who touched her heart throughout her life. She was deeply grateful to all who supported her and walked with her through her life’s journey. She made you laugh; she made you smile; and she will be missed dearly.
Services will be held at
Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes
4701 Marysville Boulevard,
Sacramento, CA 95838
A viewing will be held on March 16 from 3:00–6:00 PM.
Funeral services will take place on March 17 from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM, followed by graveside services.
A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the
Howe Community Center,
2201 Cottage Way,
Sacramento, CA 95825.
It will be a potluck gathering; those who wish may bring a dish to share, though it is not required. All are welcome to enjoy good food, fellowship, and memories of Cookie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, a cause held close to the family’s heart.
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