Estelita "Lita" Sanchez Gutierrez

Estelita (“Nanay” / “Lita” / “Lola” / “Grandma”) Sanchez Gutierrez went home to our Lord Jesus Christ on November 3, 2025. Born September 3, 1929, in the small town of San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, Estelita lived a life of sacrifice, courage, generosity, love, and faith.

Estelita’s love and care for her family and her friends was powerfully manifested in cooking and sharing the traditional foods of the Philippines. Indeed, woe to the visitor who finished their plate as she would insist on putting more food on the empty plate! Via phone and video calls from her kitchen, Estelita stayed connected to her family; sharing recipes and talking about plans for the day. She treasured regular visits from her children and grandchildren, joyfully welcoming them home with the aroma of her signature sinigang and wondering if she made enough rice.

As one of the Queens of the annual Flores de Mayo festival, Estelita was introduced to Nicasio Gutierrez, who was struck by her beauty and courted her successfully. Estelita was a traditional Filipina wife; caring for her mother in-law while raising nine children, supportive of her husband’s medical practice, with an entrepreneurial spirit that led to many real estate investments and a jewelry business. In 1971, she flew across the world with her children to begin a new and better life for her family in the United States. From Massachusetts to Oklahoma, she created homes that became hearts of service to her community; weekend mahjong socials, unlimited bed-and-breakfast stays, a check or cash to help a needy friend, and always, hot meals.

Throughout her life, and as a parishioner of St. Joseph Parish in Norman, OK, Estelita was a devout Catholic who lived her faith helping others. Although she didn’t attend medical school, she practiced a form of healing that did not require a license or a deductible. In the warmth of her home at the dining table, Estelita dispensed millions of milligrams of listening, wisdom, and tough love. And throughout the procedure, often mixed with tears, there was plenty of laughter.

Estelita’s departure is a deep wound and creates a vacuum in the lives of her family and the many she touched. She is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Nicasio Gutierrez, Sr. and will be missed by her children and grandchildren: 1. Erlinda Gutierrez Montaniel (Katerina, Joel (spouse Annalise, Liliana), Larissa (spouse Matt); 2. Dr. Nemy Gutierrez (Marivic (spouse), Ana Carmina); 3. Dr. Nick Gutierrez, Jr. (Dr. Marian (spouse), Brian (spouse Keisha, Felix, Wiley), Alex); 4. Jesse Gutierrez; 5. Rick Gutierrez (Julie (partner), Adam, Ella, Gemma); 6. Gerry Gutierrez (Sebastian, Mireya); 7. Dr. Jenner Gutierrez; 8. Alberto Gutierrez (Margaret (spouse), Elena, Benji); and 9. Dr. Lynette Gutierrez Fenn (Lee (spouse), Maximo, Nico).

In her last days, although her voice had become a whisper, her lips moved in prayer; continuously blessing her family.

“Kain na” (Eat); “Mag-ingat ka” (Take care); “Ipagdadasal kita” (I’ll pray for you)

The Visitation will be held 4-8 pm, Friday, November 21, 2025, at Primrose Funeral Home, 1109 N. Porter Ave., Norman, Oklahoma, 73071. The Funeral Mass will be held 9:30 am, Saturday, November 22, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 N Porter Ave., Norman, OK 73071.

The Gutierrez Family appreciates your support during this difficult time. In this time of need, we ask that you help others through Meals on Wheels Norman, OK: www.mealsonwheelsnorman.com and share your memories of Estelita below.