Ernestina Cecilia Gutierrez

She married her childhood sweetheart, Frank Gutierrez in January 1970. Together they had two sons, Frank and Christopher. Their sons blessed them with three precious grandchildren: Analisa, Peter, and Matthew.

Immediately after graduating from Garfield High School (Class of Winter ‘66), she joined the workforce in financial services. She served in various positions, bringing passion into everything she did, and joy to everyone she touched until retirement.

Throughout her life she thrived on living in the moment. You would find her dancing the night away, volunteering at church, and spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren, among many other things.

In May 2019, she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis bulbar, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Though she was informed that this disease has no cure or treatment, and ultimately terminal, her faith in our Lord stood intact; strong and mighty! She once remarked, “People will often ask God, ‘Why me?’ I’d rather say, ‘Why not me!’ and ask, ‘How can I be a blessing to someone that’s going through the same thing?!’”

Though she was a mere 5’2”, her resilience stood tall amid the onslaught of the Covid-19 global pandemic. While in NYC, she cheered on first responders to show her gratitude every night at 7pm.

In August 2020, a window of hope opened for her to return to her home in Arcadia, CA. She was welcomed with record, triple-digit temperatures, blazing wildfires that covered the sky, and through it all she once again, prevailed. She settled in at home for a few weeks, reconnecting with her loving family and her dearest friends.

On October 6, 2020 she decided to go to bed early. It was in this peaceful sleep that the good Lord opened the skies and brought her home. She is survived by her family: Frank, Christina, and Analisa; Christopher, Linda, Peter, and Matthew.

Her legacy lays within the truth found in Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” May we each find her source of strength as we press forward in her honor!