Carmen is survived by her husband Greg Cook, son, Nathan Chambers, daughter, Ramona Chambers, granddaughter, Zoey Kalland, parents, Ramon & Lanette Gutierrez, sisters Mary Guyett, Jeanette Huber, Laura Taylor, & Josie White-Viarrial, brothers, James Gutierrez, Joe Gutierrez & Jon Gutierrez. Carmen is preceded in death by her sister Ramona Gutierrez and brother Anthony White. Carmen is also adored her many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Carmen was born on September 27, 1964 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She graduated from Tumwater High School in 1983 and earned her certificate in marketing from Central Washington University. She married Greg Cook on August 23, 2003.
Carmen began her career in the private sector prior to pursuing a career with the State of Washington in an administrative support role. Carmen was incredibly gifted in communication, organization, and leadership skills. Over her career she rapidly progressed through many positions within the Department of Labor and Industries, Employment Security Department and the Department of Social and Health Services concluding her career as a Deputy Regional Administrator for DSHS.
Carmen was known and loved for her insatiable drive to help others be successful. She had a gift for finding people’s talents and helping them maximize their potential. This was true in both her personal and professional life. Carmen was always the first one to celebrate their personal victories.
This was all good and fine, but more than anything in this world, she loved her family. She was a fierce momma bear to her children and granddaughter. She would revel in creating memorable moments filled with fun and excitement for friends, family and extended family. If you were there, you were guaranteed a memorable time.
She achieved peace in her heart through time spent with her close-knit family on the farms of her parents and her brother, in La Jara, New Mexico where she spent much of her childhood, and at Canon Beach in Oregon. Carmen often referred to gardening and cooking as her “therapy”. If you were in her presence, you were guaranteed a smile and a memory. Her laugh was infectious, and her mischief was always in good fun. Regardless of the location, her heart was wherever her family was.
She had a deep love for and was deeply loved by her family, especially Nathan and Ramona, granddaughter Zoey and husband Greg. She will be deeply missed.
A funeral is scheduled for 12:00PM Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at St. Michael’s Church located at 1835 Overhulse Rd. NW, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Carmen’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
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