Cathie Lee Lucero

Tribute Cathie Lee Lucero, 71, a lifelong resident of Longmont, CO, passed away unexpectedly in her home Sunday, October 25, 2020. Cathie was born in Boulder, CO to Robert Lucero and Alice Contreras on April 10, 1949. Cathie faced adversity as a child but always kept her faith. In 1967, Cathie married Joel Gutierrez and during their 14 years of marriage had six beautiful children, who in turn gave Cathie 15 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Cathie held many jobs throughout her life. She was a homemaker, housekeeper, and did janitorial work. She took pride in a clean orderly house, but the job she valued most was being a Mother and Nana to her children and grandchildren. Her small stature dubbed her the nickname Smurfette and created a lifetime of “little” jokes, but she never lost her sense of humor with it. She was at her best when surrounded by family and was always ready to dance and sing at the drop of a beat. She could make any surface a dance floor; the rhythm in her step had no limits. Cathie’s grandchildren were her lifeline and she had a special, unique relationship with each one of them. Cathie would share special good morning texts. Share the challenge of a crossword puzzle or take on some board game rivalry. A memory shared by all her grandchildren, was buying a buffet of snacks and binge watching crime shows and mysteries with them. Craft time meant Nana time and a birthday or holiday meant a giant gift bag filled so full it felt like you were empting Mary Poppins purse. She loved baking cakes for their birthdays and never passed up an opportunity to decorate a party. She gave selflessly and treated every day like a gift. Cathie strived to keep her family united and would always be planning a reunion, get together or dinner to catch up, talk and eat. Cathie’s life wasn’t filled with academic accolades or prestigious awards but she taught everyone the most important lesson of all, the value of family. Cathie was preceded in death by her father Robert Lucero, her mother Alice Contreras, stepfather Elmer Hayzlip and half-brother Chris Hayzlip. She is survived by half-brothers, Sam Hayzlip, Elmer Hayzlip and half sisters, Edna Hayzlip and Debbie Perez, Her children, Guy and Michelle Gutierrez, Gerome and Theresa Gutierrez, David and Gabriella Martinez, Germain Gutierrez and Troy Newman, Jason Gutierrez and Irma Rivera, and Geremy Gutierrez. Her grandchildren Rueben Gutierrez, Janelle Byers, Veronica Gutierrez, Sabrina Fernandez, Marisa Gutierrez, Garret Gutierrez, Rylie Gutierrez, Ashley Martinez, David Martinez Jr., Alisha Gutierrez, Branden Newman, Gabriel Gutierrez, Jordan Gutierrez, Makayla Gutierrez, Jalon Gutierrez, and her great grandchildren, Derek Martinez, Reina Martinez, Lily Villa, Brecken Byers, Amelia Gutierrez and Aria Fernandez. The COVID-19 restrictions are strict and emotionally trying for all of us, the family will be planning a HUGE celebration of life for Cathie as soon as all restrictions are lifted. Services Visitation Tuesday November 3, 2020 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Carroll-Lewellen Funeral Chapel 503 Terry Street Longmont, CO 80501