Maria Anita Blanco Gutierrez

Maria Anita Blanco Gutierrez, age 84, of Tigard, Oregon, passed away on October 12, 2023. She was born on July 6, 1939, in Cotabato City, Philippines. Anita was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend.

Maria Anita was known for her kind and strong nature, as well as her unwavering Catholic faith. She had a talent for cooking and was admired for her delicious meals. Maria Anita was an elegant and fashionable woman who always carried herself with grace.

On April 7, 1962, Maria Anita married the love of her life, Emerito Zarraga Gutierrez, whom she met on a blind date arranged by her friends in Davao. Their love and partnership lasted over six decades.

She pursued higher education and graduated from Philippines Women's University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in Spanish. Maria Anita went on to have a successful career as a Spanish Professor at the Philippine Women's College of Davao and at Xavier Unversity (Ateneo de Cagayan de Oro). She was a successful businesswoman who owned many restaurants and a nursery school. Anita spent most of her career life with her beloved Sisters at St Mary’s of the Valley in Beaverton.

Maria Anita was a devout Catholic and found solace in her faith. She worshipped St. Cecelia's Catholic Church, and St. Mary's of Oregon.

In her free time, Maria Anita enjoyed gardening, cooking, and traveling. She cherished moments spent with her five children and eleven grandchildren. Anita had a large circle of friends who surrounded her with love and support.

A visitation will be held on October 26, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Pegg Paxson and Springer. A Rosary will be recited on October 27, 2023, at 10:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Cecilia Church in Beaverton.

Maria Anita Gutierrez will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Maria Anita is survived by her beloved children Mayanne Feliciano, Francisco Gutierrez, Monica Calderon, Emerito Gutierrez, Jr. and Lutgarda Cowan; grandchildren, Hannah, Philip Michael and Gabriel Feliciano, Andrew, Annie and Tommy Gutierrez, Marquesa and Emilio Calderon, Reese and Elle Gutierrez and Seamus Cowan; and sisters Rosa Catibayan and Rosario Cusi.