Maria Teresa Gutierrez

Mrs. Maria Teresa Gutierrez, a spirited and beloved matriarch affectionately known as "Doña Tere", passed away peacefully at her home in Surfside, Florida, on December 14, 2025, at the age of 91. Guided by lifelong principles to help others and excel in her work, Doña Tere dedicated her entire career to nursing. A Registered Nurse by calling and conviction, she was characterized by integrity and passionate altruism. She never hesitated to use her voice and express her opinion, often peppered with a witty sense of humor.

Doña Tere was born in Granada, Nicaragua. After receiving her nursing degree, Doña Tere moved to Bluefields with her husband, the late Dr. Francisco Gutierrez in the mid-1950s, to begin their work in public health. There, she joined him on medical missions along Nicaragua's Caribbean coast, delivering healthcare to isolated indigenous communities. She would often bring her children along, instilling in them the value of helping others. After retiring from nursing, Doña Tere opened one of the first pharmacies in town, helping meet the needs of the community.

In the late 1970s Doña Tere relocated with her family to the United States to escape the war in her native country, becoming a US citizen a few years later. Her spirit of resilience and optimism, along with her faith in God, guided her in overcoming the challenges of moving to a new country, becoming fluent in English, and having to return to work after retirement. She earned nursing licenses to practice in both Louisiana and Florida. She worked at Baptist Hospital in New Orleans, served as a supervisor at The Blood Center in Metairie, and later supervised several nursing homes in Miami, specializing in Alzheimer's care, all the while continuing to lead, mentor, and care for others well into later life, retiring only to help in the care of her grandchildren.

Doña Tere was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She lavished unconditional love on her family, friends, and community. She was a passionate cook and her recipes are treasured. Her grandchildren cherish memories of helping their beloved Abuela in the kitchen. Her spirited personality lit up a room with joy, wit, and sense of humor.

Doña Tere is survived by her children - Yolanda, Francisco (Yanina Katona), Jorge (Sabine Krause), Gloria Elena, Xiomara (Brad) Brewster, Ramiro (Tom-minh Nguyen), and Moises, in addition to eight grandchildren - Ana Lodriguss Holmes (Patrick Holmes), Johana Bucci Gerheim (Jordan Gerheim), Carolina Bucci Miller (Larson Miller), Andrew Lodriguss, Sebastian Gutierrez, Tabor Brewster, Sophia Gutierrez and Brix Brewster. She is also survived by two great grandchildren - Emmie Claire Holmes, and John George Gerheim, as well as many nieces, nephews and grandnieces. She is preceded in death by her firstborn daughter, Maria Teresa "Tete" and her younger sister, Emma.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3716 Garden Ave, Miami Beach, Florida, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may donate in her memory to their local food bank.