Effie "Cheena" Gutierrez

Effie “Cheena” Gutierrez, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Surrounded by the love of her family, she left this world with the same grace and strength she carried throughout her life. Born on April 6, 1936, in Vallejo, California, to John and Olga Maroulas, Cheena spent the majority of her life making Benicia her home and her heart, only leaving when stationed away with her husband. A proud graduate of Benicia High School’s Class of 1955, she grew into a beloved fixture of the community. Whether as a supportive military wife or as a cherished waitress at Tia Theresa and Sandoval’s, Cheena had an extraordinary gift for making every person feel welcome, seen, and cared for. Cheena found joy in life’s simple comforts—cooking, doing word search, watching her daytime programs, playing dice, which earned her the nickname as “Mean Cheen”, and chatting on the phone with loved ones. Her home was a gathering place filled with warmth, stories, and the kind of love that leaves an imprint. She was also a passionate sports fan, cheering enthusiastically—and often loudly—for her Bay Area sports teams. Cheena recently said goodbye to her beloved husband, Rod Gutierrez, with whom she shared an incredible 69-year marriage. Their love was the foundation of a large and close-knit family who will carry forward their legacy of humor and togetherness. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Mike Maroulas, and sister, Elaine Melendez. Cheena is survived by her four sons: Rod (Holly), John (Connie), Mike, and Billy (Carolyn); her grandchildren: Brad, Katie, Allison, Stephen (Marianne), Sarah (Amir), Eric, Morgan, Nicholas, Nathan (Valeria), and Matthew; and her great-grandchildren: Maria, Maci, Madison, Lea, Eli, Dylan, and Lily. Each of them carries a piece of her spirit—her kindness, her feistiness, her deep love for family, and her endless generosity. A vigil service will be held at 6 PM on Friday, January 2, at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel, 901 W. 2nd St., Benicia. A memorial Mass will follow at 11 AM on Saturday, January 3, at St. Dominic’s Church, 475 East I St., Benicia. Inurnment will be private at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Lung Association or to a charity of your choice.

Effie "Cheena" Gutierrez

April 6, 1936 - November 29, 2025