Elodia Gutierrez, 103, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, in Berwyn, Illinois, surrounded by several generations of her loving family.
Born June 19, 1922, in El Rancho del Zapote de la Peña to Teodoro Barajas and Cecilia Ibarra, Elodia lived a life rooted in deep Catholic faith, steadfast devotion to family and remarkable resilience. She was the heart of her home, dedicating herself fully to raising the large family she and her beloved husband, Fidel, created together.
Elodia found joy in life’s simplest and most meaningful moments. She lovingly prepared traditional meals that gathered everyone around the table, crocheted treasured keepsakes, shared stories of her youth in El Rancho and offered quiet comfort to those in need. Her presence was a source of strength, warmth and peace.
She is survived by her brothers, Gonzalo and Bulmaro Barajas; her children, Raymundo (Estefania), Salvador (Maria Delia), Primitivo (Adela), Celia Romero (Guadalupe), Margarita Gutierrez (Alberto Maciel), Irma Gutierrez (Juvenal), and Aurora Solorzano (Guillermo); as well as her many grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy of love and faith.
Elodia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fidel; her siblings Jesus, Aurelia, Ramón, Ofelia, Teresa, Pilar, Abraham and Federico; and her parents.
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th Street just west of Harlem). Visitation will continue Monday from 8:30 AM until prayers at 9:30 AM. Procession will follow to Blessed Martyrs of Chimbote Parish, St. Blasé Church, for a 10:00 AM Mass.
Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.
Her legacy of faith, strength and boundless love will live on in the generations she nurtured so faithfully.