M. Dolores M. Dolores Gutierrez Gutierrez

Dolores Gutierrez, loving matriarch of the Gutierrez family, died peacefully surrounded by her many loved ones on March 23, 2012 at the age of 91. Mrs. Gutierrez, a resident of Land Park and West Sacramento for 70 years, guided and nurtured her family to be life-long learners mindful of the power of faith and the importance of treating people with grace and dignity. Born in Jalostotitlan, Jalisco, Mexico, February 7, 1921, Mrs. Gutierrez graduated from all the schools available to girls in her small rural town and never tired of education. A consummate reader and advocate for education, she encouraged and supported her family’s educational quests while at the same time emphasizing family values and responsibilities. She leaves as her legacy a family that includes doctors, lawyers, architects, artists, engineers, healthcare professionals, and executives in private companies and government agencies. More importantly, her legacy includes loving individuals personally committed to one another, to family, and to mirroring her exceptional qualities. Mrs. Gutierrez was happiest at her annual Christmas tamal dinners and other celebrations when her family gathered in her home to create a crowded chaos that was uniquely filled with joy and love. In addition to her family, she enjoyed gardening and listening to her doves sing. In the colors of her flowers, she found inspiration for her quilting and crocheting. She often said she owed her longevity to the sewing she had yet to finish.

Mrs. Gutierrez was preceded in death by her husband Asuncion Gutierrez and is survived by their six children – Chon (Nancy), Efren (Tamara) of Orinda, Anacleto “Nick” (Bernadette), Gilberto (Flor), Graciela (Richard) and Eduardo (Antonia). She is also survived by 17 grandchildren –Marisa Carreon, Renee Dunn, Marcos, Mara, Julio, Michael Fregeau, David, Cecilia Ferguson, Efren, Estevan Fregeau, Loren, Erik, Natalie, Bianca, Mireille, Carlos, John – and 14 great-grandchildren.

A viewing and Rosary will be held Friday, March 30th at 5:00 PM at Nauman and Son Funeral Chapel at 4041 Freeport Blvd. with the Rosary starting at 6:30 PM . A mass will be held at Holy Spirit Church , 3159 Land Park Drive, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 31st, followed by internment at St Mary’s cemetery.