"Beloved: We receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him. And His commandment is this: We should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as He commanded us. Those who keep His commandments remain in Him, and He in them, and the way we know that He remains in us is from the Spirit whom He gave us,"

1 JN 3:22 – 4:4.

Maria Luisa Gutierrez, a lovely, joyous, and faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, passed into eternal heavenly bliss peacefully in the arms of her loved ones Monday, January 4, 2016.

Born in Laredo, Texas on August 25, 1924, Maria Luisa was the daughter of Jose Maria Gutierrez and Agapita Rodriguez.   She has four sisters (one deceased) and two brothers (both deceased).

Maria Luisa had a long and successful career with Entex, Inc. spanning over 30 years. During her tenure at Entex, Inc., Maria Luisa was the only woman office manager for the Laredo and Hebbronville area.     In 1975, Maria Luisa was the first woman to participate in the middle management development program at Texas A&I University. Due to her petite stature and soft voice, she was nicknamed "Pee Wee," but in reality she tumbled barriers never seen before. She was prized for her top-notch managerial skills, great personality and knowledge of the business. After retiring from the company, she dedicated her time to the catholic church providing delicious lunches for many priests, fundraising for the needy, and making her unique Easter eggs to sell to family and friends, and donate the proceeds to her parish.

"Pee Wee" as Maria Luisa was known to her close friends, and "Tia Mary" to her numerous nieces and nephews, was a cheerful servant to her community. She volunteered her time, talent and treasures to many churches in Laredo, but she most cherished her parishes of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Tia Mary, alongside her sister Monita, was always present and at the center of every family function sharing her smile, laughter, love , and love for God. She was a steadfast and firm example of Matthew 22: 37. "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind."