Lorraine P. Gutierrez, born in Albuquerque, NM on January 2, 1925, to Simon and Candeleria Padilla passed away on July 10, 2022 at 97 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Avelino V. Gutierrez; brothers: Simon Padilla, Eddie Padilla, Richard Padilla (Eloisa); sisters: Adela Garcia, Eloisa Foley (James); brothers-in-law: Leo Gutierrez (Fela), Gilbert Gutierrez (Maggie), Fred “Daniel” Gutierrez; and sister-in-law Berlinda Davila (Frank). She is survived by her sisters, Irene Garvin and Ana Padilla; sisters-in-law Celina Archuleta (Teles) and Lucy Cullen (Charles). She has four children: Linda Gutierrez (Eduardo Montoya-Arriens), Marcia Sanchez, Avelino A. Gutierrez (Karen Fricks) and Alicia Gutierrez (Dennis Rivera). She has five loving grandchildren: Olivia Gutierrez, Kelsey Gutierrez, Alex Gutierrez, Danielle Rivera and Andres Rivera (fiancée Bailey Miller).
Lorraine attended high school at an all-girls school called St. Vincent Academy, where she graduated in May 1942. After graduation she attended a secretarial school and obtained a job at the Probation Office as a secretary. She met her soon-to-be husband, Avelino, who was a Lieutenant in the Army Infantry while on furlough. While he was overseas they stayed in touch writing love letters to each other. Lorraine then worked for the Sheep Sanitary Board as a secretary. Her boss’s son was providing flight lessons at the Kirkland Airforce Base. Lorraine quickly jumped on the opportunity and learned to fly.
Lorraine and Avelino were married on May 1, 1946. Lorraine stopped flying planes because Avelino thought it was too dangerous because she was pregnant with their first child, Linda. Lorraine always had a love of flying.
Lorraine decided to go to college in 1965 to pursue a career in Special Education. She attended UNM and achieved her Bachelor’s, Masters, and PhD in seven years. Lorraine contributed to public education by being elected to and serving on the Albuquerque School Board.
Lorraine was a devout Catholic. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Catholic Charities, Animal Humane or other charity that supports the needy or education for marginalized children.
A Rosary will be recited Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 5:00 PM at Daniels Family Funeral Services, 3113 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM. A Graveside Service will be held Friday, July 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery (Chapel), 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM.
Daniels Family Funeral Services
3113 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505-884-1188