Raquel Gutierrez

Raquel (Rachel) Gutierrez
was a caring mother, sister and friend. It is with great sadness her family
announces she passed away unexpectedly on July 6, 2021 at age 44.
Born on January 30, 1977 in Orange, California, Raquel was the second child and only daughter
of Alfonso and Maria Cruz Gutierrez. She grew up in Garden Grove, California where she
graduated from Santiago High School in 1996. She was currently living with her son in Mission
Viejo, California.
Always trying to better herself, and a strong supporter of education, Raquel worked days as a
classroom aide at the Laguna Beach Unified School District and attended college at night. She
received her Court Interpreter Certificate from the Southern California School of Interpretation
at Santiago Community College and her AAB Paralegal Certification from Eastern Gateway
Community College. She had just graduated EGCC on June 5, 2021 and planned to pursue a
bachelor’s degree in Business.
An independent spirit who loved life and people, Raquel enjoyed spending time with friends
and family. She doted on her niece, Amelia, and was committed to the students with whom she
worked. She loved children and children loved her. Creative and talented, Raquel knitted and
crocheted, often gifting what she made to family and friends. She was passionate about
dancing, music and soccer . . . and was a dedicated Leon soccer fan, rarely missing a game, she
was one of a kind.
Raquel, now with God and her mother, Cruz, is survived by her former spouse, Oscar Barajas,
son, Oscar Nathaniel Barajas, grandmother, Raquel Romero, father, Alfonso Gutierrez, two
brothers, Jorge and Henry Gutierrez (Johanna), niece, Amelia Gutierrez, and many uncles, aunts
and cousins.
Raquel is gone, but will never be forgotten.

Due to Covid limitations, calling hours are limited, and by invitation only. However, the
memorial mass and burial ceremony are open to all. A funeral mass in memory of Rachel will
be held on July 24 at 10 am, at Santa Barbara Catholic Church at 730 S. Euclid Street, Santa
Ana, California. The burial service will follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery at 7845 Santiago
Canyon Road, Orange, California.
Contributions to a fund created by the family for Rachel’s son can be made via Henry or George
Gutierrez.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raquel Gutierrez, please visit our floral store.