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1926
2016
7405 West Northwest Highway
Dallas, Texas
María Elena Rosell Illas was born on May 22, 1926 in Santiago de Cuba to Manolo Rosell and Rosario Illas; she was their second and youngest child. She received her primary education at her beloved Sacred Heart of Jesus School and her secondary education at Colegio Baldor in Havana, after the family moved there. She graduated from the University of Havana and then taught for a few years at the Sacred Heart School in Havana and for a while at the University of Havana. In 1951 she married Alberto Gutiérrez, the love of her life, and together they started a family. In 1960 after Fidel Castro's rise to power, María and Alberto fled Cuba to protect their four daughters from inevitable indoctrination into the Marxist philosophy of Castro's government. Ultimately, they settled in Dallas where their fifth daughter was born. The first years in her new country were difficult and lonely for María. She was far away from all she knew and loved and had lost everything she treasured. Armed with courage and faith she moved forward and acclimated to her new home and even became a great Dallas Cowboy fan.
She taught for many years here in Dallas, first at Holy Trinity School and then at St. Monica School. Although she was a hard task master, she was beloved and respected by her students. As Alberto's career flourished, she was able to retire to what she considered her primary job – being a wife and mother. Her deep faith in Jesus and love of the Catholic Church sustained her as she worked tirelessly to raise her five daughters as children of God and to guide them toward the salvation of their souls. She was the glue that held the family together through all the spiritual and physical trials and tribulations of life. Her classic impeccable elegance both in her dress and behavior set an example for her daughters and her granddaughters and was admired by all who knew her. She was indeed the ultimate lady. She was the proverbial "great woman" behind Alberto and a mother, with all the spiritual and physical nuances of the word, to her five daughters. She will be remembered as such by all who knew her.
María was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Raúl, her beloved Alberto, and her son-in-law, Gus Doskey. She is survived by five daughters: María Elena Doskey, Cristina (Bill) Moore, Beatriz (Mike) Brady, Ana María Gutiérrez and Cecilia (Kip) Kernodle; thirteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren and one on the way; numerous nieces and nephews; and a small number of cousins. Services will be held at St. Monica Catholic Church, 9933 Midway Rd., Dallas, TX 75220, on Tuesday, September 20, 2016. Rosary at 10:30 AM followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.
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3 Entries
September 24, 2016
Linda Sepulveda
My 81 year old mother shared the obituary announcement with me. I was in second grade at Holy Trinity Catholic school. I remember Mrs. Gutierrez as my Spanish teacher. I recall a very well dressed, tall and thin lady. I also remember how I imitated her "s" sound in Spanish. She pronounced "s" words with a "th". This wasn't how my parents spoke Spanish at home, but I probably also didn't know back then of Ms. Gutierrez's Cuban ancestry. As students we didn't question, we just sat and learned. Ms. Gutierrez was a wonderful teacher. I don't recall her ever fussing at the students. Of course we were surrounded by nuns and respected our beloved teachers. I am sorry to hear of her passing. I wish I'd had an opportunity to tell her what a great teacher she was and how I thought about her so many times over the years. It appears Mrs. Gutierrez had a terrific, fulfilling life with her family. Most certainly also very proud of her daughters. She'll be in heaven teaching anyone interested a few Spanish phrases. God bless Mrs. Gutierrez and her loved ones.
September 20, 2016
Mary Rindone
Maria was a beautiful model of femininity and goodness. She left quite an impression on my life. As I was having my 5 daughters she gave me so much encouragement! I will always remember her smile and love for Jesus! God bless you, my friend! ❤
September 18, 2016
Jimmy Graham
Cecilia, I am very sorry to hear about your mom. Our Lord blessed her with many wonderful years, a wonderful husband, five sweet daughters and grandchildren. I know you will each miss her greatly!
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