Mrs. Celia S. Gutierrez

Celia Sofia Sophie Gutierrez, 80, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2015 in Centennial, Colorado. Born on May 9, 1934 in El Paso, Texas, Celia was the daughter of Eduardo Mancinas Herrera & Maria De Los Angeles (Lopez) Herrera. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.



Celia was raised in El Paso until she was 7 years old when her family relocated to Los Angeles (Elysian Valley). As a young woman she began her most meaningful lifes work as a stay-at-home mother. She was a wonderful caretaker not only her own children, but for many foster children too. She cared for each child with a loving heart, and her foster children were part of her family for many years. In addition to caretaking, she was PTA President, a Cub Scout Den Mother, and she volunteered a lot at school.



Later in life, March 29, 1997, Celia married Alfonso Al M. Gutierrez in Las Vegas, Nevada. Theirs is a true love story. Though they did not know it at the time, Celia and Al actually grew up in the same neighborhood. Al was off to war (WWII) when Celia moved to the area, but she met him when he returned. She was only 11 years old at the time. It was 52 years later when they reconnected, fell in love, and were married. He truly was the love of her life! They made their home in Whittier, California and enjoyed 17 wonderful years together.



Celia loved to cook, sew, garden, play bingo, and travel with Al. She was a parishioner at St. Gregory the Great Church and a member of St. Gregorys Senior Club. She loved being the Sunshine Lady for her Senior Club. Celia was also a member of the Happy Wanderers Club. Professionally, Celia worked as an interpreter. She retired when she married Alfonso in the late 1990s.



Celia is survived by her children, Pete (Jean) Vargas, Diana (Steve) Hueftle, Christina (Wal) Ouellet, Nestor (Gloria) Vargas, Laura Lisa Vargas and Gloria Gutierrez; siblings, Herminia Herrera, Edward Herrera, and Rosemary Valencia; 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren.



Viewing will take place from 6-7pm on Monday, April 27, 2015, at St. Gregory the Great Church in Whittier, with a Vigil Service at 7pm at the church. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 10am at St. Gregory the Great Church. Interment will take place at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Rowland Heights.