Olivia Gutierrez, 87, of Galesburg, died at 10 a.m. Monday, April 20, 2020, at Aperion Care North, Galesburg.
Olivia was born on August 24, 1932, in Kerrville, TX the daughter of Henry and Marianna (Espinosa) Vargas. She married Alvaro Gutierrez, Sr. on September 29, 1947, in Kerrville, TX. He survives. Their 72-year marriage brought five children, Emily (George) Ayala of Chicago, Don of Galesburg, Alvaro, Jr. of Tacoma, WA, Henry (Eva) of San Antonio, TX, and Cindy (Pedro) Garcia of Chicago; nine grandchildren; and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren. Along with her parents, Olivia was preceded in death by two sisters, Stella Calderone and Yolanda Ayala.
Olivia was a faithful homemaker, loving wife, and a great cook. She was devoted to her Catholic faith and was a long-time active member at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and president numerous times. Olivia could always be found at the church anytime there was an event. Olivia served as an election judge for many years as well as being a member of the L.U.L.A.C. Club in Galesburg.
Due to social distancing requirements surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic, no visitation will be held. The rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2020, via the Galesburg Catholic Facebook page. Father William T. Miller will lead. A memorial mass will follow at 10 a.m. A private burial will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Galesburg. Funeral services have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, Galesburg. Friends and family are encouraged to sign the guest book and leave a memory for Olivia at www.watsonthomas.com.
