On the first day of May, the Warrenton community was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Maria de Jesus Gutierrez Vargas, who was killed in a shooting at her home.
The most …
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On the first day of May, the Warrenton community was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Maria de Jesus Gutierrez Vargas, who was killed in a shooting at her home.
The most deeply affected were her family, longtime friends, and members of her church community at Holy Rosary parish, where Maria was deeply involved.
Rather than dwelling on the tragedy at the end of her life, several of those who knew Maria gave their thoughts to The Record about the positive impact she had on the lives of everyone around her.
Her friends are remembering someone who was a devoted mother and a caring community member, a woman who loved gardening, baking, music and dancing, and sitting down on a Saturday to clip coupons. Most of all, they’re remembering someone who touched those around her with her positive spirit.
“Even people who were talking negative about her, she never said anything bad about anyone. She always rubbed it off. I really admired that of her,” said one longtime friend, who requested not to be named. She said Maria had a way of being both caring and genuine that connected with other people.
“If you asked her for advice, she would always give you advice and always on a positive note. She would say ‘Everything’s going to be OK. Just do this and that, and everything’s going to be alright.’”
Although most of her family lives in different parts of the country, Maria called her mom every day and stayed in regular touch with her siblings, her friend said. Maria gave her time selflessly to those around her, and showed enthusiasm and dedication in every part of her life.
Sue Weitz, who worked with Maria for years serving on the Holy Rosary parish council and helping prepare families for baptism, said the entire community feels Maria’s loss.
“She was exceptional. ... She was a role model for me, certainly, and she was a role model for other people on how to live her faith, how to live a compassionate and respectful life,” Weitz said. Maria was well respected, and was the first Hispanic person elected to the Holy Rosary parish council, Weitz recalled. She said knowing Maria meant having someone who would grow together with you in self-awareness, knowledge and faith.
“She was able to relax people. ... She knew how to comfortably help people learn, without them feeling threatened or put down,” Weitz explained. “She was welcoming. She was always who she was, never fake or put on, or trying to be something who she wasn’t. She was sincere.”
Fr. Thomas Vordtriede, Holy Rosary’s parish administrator, said in the short time he’s been at the church, he relied greatly on Maria as a bridge between himself and many members of the community. When he first came to the parish last year, Vordtriede said even he was comforted by Maria, who helped him feel connected to the community (while also gently correcting his Spanish).
In the days since Maria died, Vordtriede said one of the most beautiful, but sad moments is when her daughter chose to honor her memory by going ahead with her quinceañera celebration while their family was in town for the funeral.
“Maria was so excited about that and was getting it all set up, inviting family from out of town,” Vordtriede commented. “(Her daughter) ended up having her quinceañera right after her mother’s funeral. She said, ‘My mom would have wanted this.’ The funeral day was very sad and happy at the same time. It kind of breaks your heart and brings you to tears.”
Vordtriede said he hopes people remember Maria as a person of deep love and faith, who also inspired that love and faith in others. At times he said it was possible to tell that Maria had dealt with hurts in her life, but that only matured and made more radiant the joy that she shared with those around her.
