Haydee M. Gutierrez

Haydee M. Gutierrez left this world on May 12 after spending a lovely Mother's Day with her family, enjoying Cuban music and telling stories. Haydee was born on April 9, 1925, in Tampa, Florida to Maria Teresa and Rene Washington Garcia, third generation Cuban-Americans. Haydee grew up in the Bronx, and while working as a 19 year old bilingual secretary in New York City she met Mario Gutierrez, a Cuban immigrant and WWII veteran, who became the singular love of her life. Despite being much older than Haydee, they fell in love and were married December 13, 1942. Haydee and Mario were terrific dancers, and often frequented the thriving Latin club scene in NY. However she insisted on moving to Miami after having their two boys, Mario Jr. and John Rene. After working for 15 years for 1st Federal Savings, they moved to San Diego, where Mario Jr. had settled after college. Retirement didn't suit Haydee, so she took a new job as an executive secretary, for Kelco Corp. Haydee and Mario Sr. were avid baseball fans and soon became the "godparents" of all the San Diego Padres Latin players and their families for many years. However with the arrival of grandchildren Haydee retired for the second time , and she and Mario moved to northern CA to be closer to their boys and their family. With Mario Sr.'s passing in 1991, Haydee decided to go back to work at age 70 as a bilingual receptionist for Protection and Advocacy (now Disability Rights) in Sacramento where she was dearly loved by her co-workers and the clients they served. She "retired" for the third time at the age of 82 and until last year, she was an active resident of the Campus Commons Senior Living Community where had many friends. Haydee leaves behind a legacy of generously loving her family, her friends, and her coworkers. Her grandchildren cherish the time they spent with her. Haydee's family includes her son Mario and his wife, Dr. Debra Johnson, and their children Gabriela and Pablo; son John and his wife, Maggie, and their children Kendall, Brandon, and Angelina, and great-grandchild Sebastian; an extensive Florida family, and a multitude of friends. Abuela was the light of our lives, and will be deeply missed. We are comforted to know she has rejoined "Abuelo", and they are cha-cha-cha-ing across the universe. We thank you for your thoughts and to those who were able to join us in celebrating her life with the viewing that was held at W.F. Gormley & Sons Funeral Home, 2015 Capitol Avenue, on Friday, May 16, 9:30am-1:30pm. Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery was held privately. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to: Disability Rights California, 1831 K Street?Sacramento, CA 95811