Vilma Luz Gallardo Gutierrez

Vilma was born in Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba (Oriente, Cuba) on May 29, 1939 to Mariano Gallardo Espinel (d.) and Esther del Rosario Castillo (d.).

At the age of 19, Vilma migrated to Massachusetts, where she married, raised her son, and enjoyed a successful career at John Hancock Insurance Co. She resided in Natick for many years, and then in 2020, she relocated to Winter Garden, FL, to be near her son and her extended family.

Vilma’s smile would light up any room, and she was known for her warm, caring nature and her delightful humor. She was the family's memory-keeper, always interested in everyone, staying close to cousins and friends, and making each person feel truly special. She was a remarkable woman, with a heart of gold, whose kindness, love, and generosity touched the lives of many.

Her zest for life was as vibrant as the flowers she adored, and whose culinary skills brought joy to every meal. She explored the world with an adventurous spirit, and loved traveling to distant lands as well as visiting many places in the U.S., the national parks of Utah being her favorite.

Vilma's love extended beyond borders, as she was a source of strength and comfort to friends and family, near and far.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Juan Asdrubal Gutierrez (Druby), in 2022, and her beloved grand-niece, Rebekah Marie Purvis, in 2021. She is survived by her loving son, John M. Gutierrez, and his wife Bethanie, her dear sister-in-law Mayra Alfert and family, siblings: Miriam Gallardo Hale (Beba) and spouse Jerry, Magaly Gallardo Pestano and family, brother Mariano Gallardo and family, Aileen Gallardo Cutiño and family, nieces, Jennifer Hale-Gallardo, Christina Chowdhary and her spouse Sajeel, along with her grand-nephews and nieces, Joshua, Sarah, Shaun, and Ariellah, and many, many cherished cousins.

As we mourn her loss, we find solace in knowing that Vilma Luz's spirit will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.

A a celebration of life for Vilma will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, Florida 34734.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Gutierrez family.