Eustaquia Gutierrez-Medina peacefully passed away on March 27, 2024, surrounded by her loving family during Holy Week.

Born on December 20, 1940, in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, relative, and friend. She is survived by her brother, Socorro Medina, and seven children: Alejandra Gutierrez-Medina, Margaret Gonzalez, Raul Gutierrez, Ramon Gutierrez, Javier Gutierrez, Sylvia Jenkins, and Jesus Gutierrez. She was preceded in death by her parents, Juan C. Medina and Marie de la Cruz, her husband, Edmundo Gutierrez Sr, and two sons, Edmundo Gutierrez Jr, and Jorge Gutierrez. Eustaquia and Edmundo Sr shared 68 years of marriage and were blessed with 26 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

In the early 1960s, she moved to Socorro, NM, where she began her journey of sharing her love for cooking. Inspired by her father, who worked in the manganese mines in western Socorro County, she started making tamales for him to sell to the mine workers, which quickly became a community favorite. Her culinary skills led her father to establish Don Juan’s Cocina in 1973, a beloved family-run business that remains a cornerstone of the community.

Her unwavering dedication to her family and work ethic left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She welcomed both family and friends into her home with open arms and a welcoming smile, always eager to share her love for food, tradition, and a lively game of Lotería. Her vibrant spirit, strong-willed personality, and delicious cooking will be cherished memories for all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She loved to cook, tend to her garden, and travel. She was grateful to have returned to Mexico many times and traveled internationally (Russia, London, and Alaska) and across various states. Her positive and open-minded personality was on every occasion, ready to experience new places.

Eustaquia will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her generosity, kindness, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the community she touched with her warmth and grace. Memories of her bringing the family together for the holidays and her delicious cooking won’t be forgotten. She will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be at Daniel’s Family Funerals on Friday, April 5 from 6 pm – 8 pm with a Rosary at 7 pm. A Memorial service will be held at the Family Christian Center located on Highway 60 on Saturday, April 6, at 10 am.

El Defensor Chieftain