Nellie Gutierrez

Nellie Gutierrez, a beloved member of the Chandler, Arizona community, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on November 23, 2023. Nellie was born in Tempe, Arizona and was raised in Chandler were she spent the majority of her life in the close-knit community of Hightown in Chandler.

Nellie shared a beautiful bond with her husband Santiago Gutierrez for 62 years and together they raised a loving family of five children. Tragically, Nellie's greatest grief was the loss of her daughter Cathy Gutierrez at the age of 12. Throughout her life, Nellie yearned to be reunited with her daughter and now they are finally together.

Nellie was not only a dedicated wife and mother but also a talented seamstress. She lovingly crafted bridesmaid dresses for family weddings on two occasions and recently created exquisite Folklorico costumes for her granddaughter. Nellie's passion for sewing extended beyond her family, as she also assisted in making accent parts for others in the local dance troop.

In her earlier years, Nellie served as a girl scout troop leader and continued to support the organization by helping the troop leader with girl scout cookies when her granddaughter joined the scouts. She cherished this opportunity to make a positive impact on young girls' lives.

Nellie's faith was an essential part of her life.  She participated in the religious community by having served as a Eucharistic Minister and singing with her sister Gloria, in the Spanish mass choir. Her love for singing and dancing brought immense joy to those around her.

Above all else, Nellie treasured her grandchildren and longed to have a great-grandchild before she passed away. Her wish was granted when she welcomed a great granddaughter into her life who held a special place in her heart.

Despite facing challenges in her career, Nellie never lost her determination and pursued higher education later in life. She earned her Associate's Degree on May 6, 2003, and held a deep desire to continue her educational journey.

Nellie approached everything she was involved in with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm. Her kindness, creativity, and devotion to her family and community will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. "I love you more!" was her favorite saying.

Nellie is preceded in death by her parents Juan and Josephine Gutierrez, daughter Mary Catherine, brothers John and Gilbert Gutierrez. Nellie is survived by her husband Santiago; daughter Sally; sons Jimmie, Paul and JJ Gutierrez; grandchildren Valorie Dunn; Sarah, Jason, Victoria and Makaylah Gutierrez; great granddaughter Gianna Dunn; brother Ramon Gutierrez and sister Gloria Monreal.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 from 6-8 pm, with Rosary at 7:00 pm at Whitney & Murphy Bueler Mortuary, 14 West Hulet Drive, Chandler, AZ. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 7th, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 3450 West Ray Road, Chandler, AZ with burial to follow at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery located at 1562 East Baseline Road, Mesa, AZ.