Service Details
A Mass of Christian Burial for Elena will be held at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Avenue, Racine on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 11:00AM. Visitation will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Sunday, August 4, 2024 from 4:00PM – 6:00PM. To view Maria’s funeral mass, please click on the following link https://www.youtube.com/live/s1fMRyd7rdc
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Organization; www.ALZ.org
Maria Elena Gutierrez, affectionately known as Elena, passed away on July 29, 2024, at the age of eighty-seven. Born on January 27, 1937, in Mexico City, she was part of a hardworking family that manufactured and sold shoes. As one of the eldest siblings, Elena had significant responsibilities at home and in the family business. Despite completing only, the sixth grade to help her family, she continued her education by taking cooking, pastry, and sewing classes. In 1963, after marrying, Elena immigrated to the United States. By 1964, she and her husband had taken over a friend’s restaurant, where Elena’s passion for cooking shone through. She introduced authentic Mexican cuisine and created her legendary recipes for beef tacos, sopes and tostadas. For over fifty years, she alone managed Mexico Lindo, building a loyal clientele spanning three generations. As one of the first minority female business owners in Racine, Wisconsin, Elena’s restaurant became a beloved community fixture, earning her numerous awards and recognition. Elena’s dedication and skill inspired many young entrepreneurs, helping them pursue their dreams of owning their own restaurants.
Although she was only a legal resident since she immigrated it was important to her to become a U.S. citizen. In 1978, she became a U.S. citizen, valuing the right to vote and fully participate in her adopted country. Elena enjoyed cooking, traveling, shopping, and spending time with family and friends, often visiting her relatives in Mexico City. Known for her contagious smile and big heart, Elena was a cherished community member, always willing to help those in need, especially newly arrived immigrants. She often offered words of wisdom, moral/financial support and sometimes opening the doors to her home. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and a deep love for her community and family.
Elena is survived by: 3 daughters, Maria E. (John) Escobar, Norma Gutierrez, Sendi (Jose B. jr.) Contreras; Grandchildren, Christian, Eleanor, Dorian, Aleksi, Justin, Jackie, Jessica, Jose III, Jasmine; Great- grandchildren, Adreyan, Donta, Jayonna, Deannna, Amir, LaQuan III, Lauryn, Mitchell Jr., Avianah; Surviving siblings; Ruben and Miguel. Deceased Parents, Maria de Jesus and Lorenzo Verdiguel; Deceased Siblings, Juan, Margarita, Arturo, Javier, and Graciela.
Special thank you to her caregivers, Gabby Suarez, Carmen Escobar, and Jackie Contreras. Also, to Aurora Hospice Care and Judy Sewell. We are forever grateful for the compassion you showed towards our mother. Your kindness and dedication during this difficult time brought great comfort to her and our family. God Bless You!
Joe J says
My Condolences And Prayers Are With The Family, Thank God For Ms Gutierrez Mexico Lindo Became Part Of Our Family The Food Was Always Delicious.
Bishop Dr. Charles C Jones says
Forever in my Heart. Thanks Family for sharing her with us. You all have my Deepest Condolences and Prayers.
Terri Williams says
Sending my condolences to the family. I loved me some her! She will definitely be missed. Fly high Mama Gutierrez🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️
Brandon Thornton says
A true pillar in the Racine Southside community for years and years she was always so nice to me. Moma Gutierrez has set a trend that no one can follow she set high standards for Mexican foods. We love you so much and we thank you for your years of dedication to all of us. Take your much deserved rest sweetheart until we meet again.❤️💔😘
SS says
My sincerest condolences to all those who loved this amazing woman. While I am saddened to hear that this trailblazer’s life on this earth has ended, her legacy will live on in those whose lives she has touched. Rest well and in peace, “Grandma Lindo”. You will be missed 💔
Marilyn Pearson n Family 🩷🙏🏾 says
My Condolences to the Family she was a Legend in the city of Racine the BEST Mexican Food in the World I had traveled ALL over not one Restaurant can touch her Grandma take your REST your work is done on this side 🩷🙏🏾
D Love Family says
Sending our condolences and prayer to entire Gutierrez and Entire Mexico Lindo family Grandma will be truly missed thank u for best taco in Wisconsin ❤️
Fernando J Guerrero says
Mi más sentido pesame para la familia Gutierrez Elena (hija) Norma y Sendi junto con sus esposos eh hijas (os)que descanse en paz Mamá Elena 😢🥺🙏🙏🙏🫶
Kathy Brenengen says
I am so sorry for your loss. Elena was a true friend, we always enjoyed her delicious food and her hospitality, she was a dear person, sure will miss her. God bless you all from the bottom of my heart. Kathy Brenengen
Teresa Ramos says
Elena, when I worked with you back in the 70’s, you became a mentor and guide for me as I grew up. Not only at work you made me feel a part of your family by also including me in your home for the holidays and family parties. We went shopping at Zahns , Eithels, and Jc Penny in downtown Racine. Thank you for being there when I needed a mother figure in my life. You will always be a part of my memories.May you rest in peace. Hugs to Leni, Norma and Gabi.
Betty Clark & Family says
Condolences to family
Gwendolyn Reams says
My condolences with love
Sharon Williams says
Thank you for serving us in the 70’s,80 ‘s.
Ramona Drane says
My condolences and prayers to the Family
Sheila Grandy says
My condolences to the family, may God continue watching over you all during this time,😔🙏
Anonymous says
Our condolences to the family
Her restaurant 😍 has always been a statement for Racine for years
Prayers for all her love ones
Mrs.Maria will be missed 😢
Rosalee Mangum says
My Condolences to the family!!! She was truly a great lady and she could cook!!!
Tony Clark (San Antonio, TX) says
You were a very special part of my childhood, my teenage years, and my adulthood.
No trip home (Racine, Wi. ) is ever complete without partaking of your cuisine and. enjoying your culinary heritage of excellence.
Mexico Lindo is a Racine staple, a must-see, a must-TASTE establishment! I pray that the Lord comfort the whole family. Most of all, may this sad loss become a glorious and joyful gain to our dear Lord Jesus.
I look forward to seeing Jackie and all the others on my next trip home. Much grace to you all.
– Tony and Sylvia Clark and family (San Antonio, Texas)
Anonymous says
Heart felt sympathy to the Family for the loss of Grandma Maria. Her smile, Grace and Sopes will always give me a warm feeling of Love. Thank You for the part you played in our Community. R.I.P. 🕊
Wally and Lisia Rendon and family. says
From our family we send our most sincere condolences to the family.
Stacey Moore says
Sending condolences & prayers of comfort to the family. Mama Lindo will be missed
Patricia Henderson says
So sorry for your loss. I loved her cooking. She was the best. Rest in Paradise 💔🙏
Christopher and Felicia Green /Rush says
Well Done Maria , Well Done.
Eduardo Mendieta. says
Tía Elena.
Entre la gente
Tu rostro queremos encontrar
Entre las palabras
Tu voz escuchar
Entre nuestras lágrimas
Poder tu rostro mirar
En nuestras noches
Poderte soñar
Descansa Tía
Que en el cielo
Ya tienes tu lugar.
Eduardo
Cynthia - Familia Soria says
Nuestro respeto y gratitud para Elena, que Dios la reciba y la llene de paz. Siempre será recordad con mucho cariño.
Brenda Allen says
I am a Bi weekly visiter to mexico Lindos since the 70s , May your legacy live on! Rest in peace Miss Maria! Love and condolenses to the family.
Gina Garcia says
I will never forget how she came to my bedside when I injured in an accident. A smile so big out made me smile, even if it hurt. Her generosity was so evident. She asked when she came, ” what can I bring you .. Anything mija’ she gave me a handheld cassette player. That was the fanciest thing I ever received