Graciela De La Garza

December 10, 1933 - March 3, 2022

On Thursday, March 3, 2022, Graciela (Grace) Gutierrez de la Garza, 88, of Tempe, Arizona, a retired registered nurse for over 50 years who loved caring for people, her children and most of all her grandchildren passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family. Grace was born and raised in Chandler, Arizona. She had the right temperament for nursing. She was very passionate about caring for and listening to people. She went to nursing school at Phoenix Memorial Hospital at a time when hospitals were beginning to integrate their nursing programs. In 1958, she met the love of her life and married Melecio de la Garza, Jr, whom she met when he was stationed at Williams Air Force base in Chandler. Their 61-year union lasted until Melecio died in 2019. Grace enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing aprons and quilts, traveling, spending time at her cabin and reading books. Survived by her children who loved her very much Marie, Anthony, Gilda, Gigi and Marc will always remember their mother as a woman who would do anything for them. She was a strong believer in family unity and taught them to be kind, polite, strong and love life. “Nana” to Allen, Teadora, Graciela and Bradford she could always be counted on for her generous hugs, attending performances, concerts and sporting events. She always encouraged her grandchildren to enjoy what they were doing and to believe in the possibilities and themselves. Her husband Melecio, her parents Adela Torrez, Espiridion Gutierrez, and her brothers Gustavo Gutierrez, Gonzalo Preciado, Daniel Torrez and her sister-in-law and friend Raquel Gutierrez, precede Grace in death. She is survived by her daughters Marie, Gilda (Jeremy), Gigi (Brad) and her sons Anthony, Marc her four grandchildren Allen, Teadora, Graciela, Bradford and her sisters Amelia (David) Sahli and Adelina Villanueva. Many other family members, friends and the water babes who thought of her as their friend, mentor and counselor, will miss her. The rosary will be held at Meldrums Mortuary 52 N Macdonald in Mesa, Thursday March 17th from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. A mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 18th at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 141 N Macdonald, Mesa. A lunch will be served at noon after the graveside service at Queen of Peace. The family request donations may be offered to Hospice of the Valley, in lieu of flowers.