Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1946
DIED
2024
EMMA GAUNA Obituary
Nov. 29, 1946 – July 16, 2024
With sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated teacher, Emma Gauna. Emma passed away peacefully on July 16, 2024, at the age of 77. Emma was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and grew up in Brawley. Emma touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness, generosity, and love for life.
Mrs. Gauna, as she was known to her students, devoted over 40 years of her life to education with the Brawley Elementary School District. She taught and inspired countless students with her nurturing spirit. All who had the privilege of learning from her will cherish her legacy as an educator.
Above all, Emma cherished her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Jerry Gauna, and loving mother to her children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she took immense joy in watching them grow and thrive.
Emma will be remembered for her radiant smile, strength in times of adversity, and unwavering Catholic faith. She leaves a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to inspire those who knew her.
Emma is survived by her husband of 57 years, Jerry Gauna; four children, Gerald (Kim) Gauna, Marisa (Philip) Villamor, Stella (Michael) Sherwood, and Rodney (Jaclyn) Gauna; grandchildren, Celeste Villamor, Aidan Gauna, Quinlan Gauna, Luke Villamor, Miranda Sherwood, Christian Sherwood and Max Gauna; and siblings, Mario (Vicki) Flores, Ramon (Alicia) Rodriguez, Yuya (Nick) Duarte, and Irma Rios. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Services for Emma will be held on August 9, 2024, at Frye Chapel from 6 to 8 p.m. Mass will take place on August 10, 2024, at 9 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 402 S. Imperial Ave., Brawley. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery.
Emma will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for EMMA GAUNA
Mrs. Toni Yturralde
September 14, 2024
My sympathy to all her family, friends, and former students. EMMA was a talented teacher and an inspiration to others. She was generous with her smiles and kindnesses. She was cheerful and fun. It was always a pleasure to be around her at professional inservices too. Mr. De Anda thank you for your kind words. It means a lot to her and the family I know. May your faith and happy memories comfort you all as you come together to honor her.
Robert Whitted
August 24, 2024
Just read about Emma´s passing and wanted to give my condolences to Jerry and the family - I shared jr. high and high school with her she always had a smile - she , Alma Short and Conchita Araujo were like the three musketeers always together - a few years ago I meet them down at the cattle cal arena during a walk still friends after all those years - RIP Emma
José De Anda
August 3, 2024
Sending my love, blessings and sympathy to Jerry and family. As you know, I had the pleasure of working with Emma for 8 years. She was a truly dedicated teacher. She was dedicated to her students and staff. She sincerely advocated for equity and fairness. She was strict but able to balance discipline for her students with genuine care and love. She knew her community well and worked hard to make it a better place for all. I admired and respected her. She will be missed.
Lupe Adame
July 29, 2024
My deepest condolences to the Gauna family, Irma Rios and her family, and the Rodriguez family. May she rest in peace.
Linda Martinez
July 27, 2024
Emma Guana is a beautiful soul and an extraordinary Educator. My condolences to the Guana Family. May she rest in eternal peace.
JULIAN MOLINA
July 26, 2024
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Dawnna
July 26, 2024
Emma will always be remembered with fondness and smiles. Her smile was always captivating. So sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace. Deacon Don Spinney and Dawnna Spinney.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in EMMA GAUNA's name
Memorial Events
for EMMA GAUNA
How to support EMMA's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor EMMA GAUNA's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
