Nelly Gutierrez, 83, of Framingham, Massachusetts died peacefully on Monday, September 29th. In the days leading up to her passing, she was surrounded by her loving family and friends.
She was born on the 27th of September in Bogotá, Colombia to Maria Barreto and Julio Garcia, and immigrated to Boston, Massachusetts at the age of 18. An alumna of Boston State College, Boston University, and Northeastern University, she strongly valued education, ambition, and perseverance. Nelly dedicated her life not only to her family but also to her community. She had a passionate career as an educator and administrator for Boston Public Schools, before retiring to venture into immigration law. Known within the greater Boston Latino community as La Doña Nelly, she championed to help countless immigrant and refugee families. In addition to her passions for education, social justice, and community advocacy, Nelly was well-known for her philanthropy, charisma, tenacity, and iconic style.
The matriarch of the family, she is survived by her adoring husband of 61 years, Fernando, and their children Claudia Gutierrez and William Gutierrez of Framingham, Massachusetts, her sisters, Judith Guevara and her husband Germán of Bogotá, Colombia and Lucero Moreno of Tampa, Florida, her grandchildren, Erika Tanner and her partner Jennifer of Londonderry, New Hampshire, Frank Tanner and his partner Anne of Hyde Park, Massachusetts, Natalia Gutierrez and Gabriel Gutierrez of Framingham, Massachusetts, and Gimena Lozano of East Boston, Massachusetts, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends across the world.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Nelly’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St. Framingham on Sunday, October 5th from 3-6PM. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday morning in St. Columbkille Church, 321 Market St. Brighton at 10:30AM. Interment will follow in Newton Cemetery.
To share a memory with Nelly’s family, kindly visit www.mccarthyfh.com
Chesmore Funeral Home