Bernice E. Age - 58 - Albuquerque/Alcalde Medina Gutierrez

BERNICE ELIZABETH MEDINA-GUTIERREZ, was led by the angels to her heavenly Father on Tuesday, June 10, 2013. She was born in Fairview on February 20, 1955 and was raised in Alcalde. She was preceded in death by her grandparents that helped raise her, Trinidad and Camilo Medina; aunt/madrina, Frances Martinez and several other relatives and friends. Bernice attended Española Valley High School and received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from NMHU. She was a lifelong resident of Albuquerque and worked for the Albuquerque Public School system until her retirement. Along with working for A.P.S., Bernice was very community and civic-minded and received several accolades and recognitions for her service. She was nominated by the Governor to serve on the State Commission on the Status of Women, was a member of both the New Mexico Chapter and the National Association of Social Workers and was an active member of the MANA de Albuquerque. Bernice was a giving person and never hesitated to help someone in need; whether it was by giving food or money or simple advice. Many went to her for “consejos”. Upon her retirement, she was a dedicated volunteer at the Store House food depot in Albuquerque. Her love for four legged friends was tremendous and she rescued many throughout the years. Pepper and Sugar are missing their mommy. We know that Bernice headed straight to the rainbow bridge to be with those pets that went before her. She was also a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoyed her “ribbing’ of those in the family that were Denver Bronco fans. Those waiting to be reunited with her someday are her beloved husband of 31 years, Arsenio (Archie) Gutierrez of Albuquerque; mother, Lizzie Medina; sister, Elaine Martinez both of Alcalde; father-in-law, Tony Gutierrez of Santa Rosa; step-daughter, Emilia and husband Nathan of Las Cruces and their children, Javier and Cesar; niece and nephew whom she considered as her own, Amanda Martinez and her children, Lorenzo and Cheyenne and Adam Martinez and wife Brenda and their children, Roxanne, Ayden, Alize and Allen; aunt, Anita Martinez; uncle, Joe Martinez; several God-children, beloved cousins, relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues. Cremation has taken place. A rosary will be recited on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Alcalde. Memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. also at the St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Alcalde. Burial to follow at the La Villita Catholic Cemetery. Her cousins serving the family as honorary pallbearers are; James Martinez, Walt Nolting, Michael, Roger, David and Paul Martinez, Tito Bustos and Andrew Medina. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Presbyterian Hospital as well as those at Las Palomas Rehabilitation Center. In lieu of flowers, please remember Bernice by donating to The National Kidney Foundation located at 3167 San Mateo Blvd, N.E. # 162, Albuquerque, N.M. 87110-1921 or www.kidneyfund.org. The family of Bernice Medina-Gutierrez has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

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