HELEN GUTIERREZ

1946 - 2021

Helen Gutierrez, 74, of Brawley passed away August 7, 2021 at Pioneers Memorial Hospital of natural causes. She was born, Helen Vasquez, on December 28, 1946, in Brawley, CA, the daughter of Jose and Luz Vasquez. Helen married the love of her life, Salvador B. Gutierrez. They celebrated 54 years of marriage in May. Still admiring him with that sparkle in her eye when he wasnt looking. They first resided in Salinas, CA then moved to Brawley where they spent the rest of their years raising their family. She was a very generous and caring person. She accepted everyone without judgement, always helping, providing shelter, clothing, money and food to those in need. She touched the hearts of many who never forgot her and called her Mama. Going unforgotten, she would run into family members of those she helped thanking her for her good deeds, whether it was months or years down the road. She was a very hard working lady constantly on the go, yet always fun, full of life and charisma, always making friends everywhere she went, from being on a first name basis with the local gas station owner to never forgetting the tellers at the bank at Christmas time, she was the life of the party, she enjoyed music and dancing and threw the best family Christmas parties ever. She was the wife, mom, friend, sister, and aunt you wanted to have. She loved putting up her rotating Christmas tree every year adorned with her cherished ornaments. She enjoyed sewing, especially Halloween and Thanksgiving costumes for her family and grandchildren. She had strong faith in God, was prayerful and enjoyed reading her Bible, always keeping it at her bedside. The love for her dogs was great, we couldnt touch their rotisserie chicken. One of her proudest accomplishments was her family. Visitation for Helen will take place Monday, August 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Frye Chapel & Mortuary in Brawley. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sally Ornelas; half-sisters, Clara Granados, Augustina Espinoza and Vera Rico; and half-brother, Frank Ortiz. Helen is survived by her husband, Salvador Gutierrez; son, Walter Villegas Jr, and his wife, Lydia of Wheatland, CA; son, Henry Villegas and his wife, Ana of Santa Ana, CA; son, Duran Gutierrez of Brawley, CA; daughter, Michelle Garnsey and fiance, Manuel Gonzalez of Beaumont, CA; twin brother, Ralph Vasquez and his wife, Lola of Moreno Valley, CA; half-sister, Lucy LaPena of Indio, CA; daughters-in-law, Laura Lima of Brawley, CA, and Veronica Pacheco of Brawley, CA; twelve grandchildren: Walter Villegas III, Andy Navarro, Ricky Villegas, Henry Villegas Jr., Duran Gutierrez, Desiree Villegas, Alyssa Gutierrez, Lexie Carrizo, Esai Gutierrez, Vanessa Villegas, Jacob Gutierrez, and Austin Gutierrez; one great-grandchild, Oliver Gutierrez; as well as many nieces and nephews she loved dearly.