Catalina Aga Gutierrez

Catalina Aga Gutierrez, 97, born on November 25, 1917 in Pampanga, Philippines, passed away August 7, 2015. She resided in Glendale, California at the time of her passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, California.

Two months shy of her 98th birthday, my Nanay took her last breath while all us were gathered around her hand in hand in prayer. To her last breath, the last living person of her generation belonging to the Aga-Gutierrez clan, exited stage left in dramatic fashion; she said goodbye quietly, with two tracks of tears streaming down her face. 8/7/2015 9:32PM PDT.

The many tales and stories she told her children have been repeated down to her grandchildren. The care and nurturing spirit that possessed her and the physical charm and beauty she carried with grace have also been imprinted in the DNA of her descendants. She is who I imagine when I'm asked to define a mother. A mother who is flawed to perfection. I see her hands in the youngest of her grandchildren. And I maybe be the last of the offspring she bore, but I know that her legacy will live on even after I am gone.

Nanay, you have lived the life, you have fought the fight, and now you rest, in heavenly peace. Even though you will live forever in the hearts and mind of those us here, we will nevertheless miss you so!

Until then....rest in peace....