Steadily, people entered Our Place in Paradise art gallery on Plantation Key to pay respects to the memory of Veronica Alegre Gutierrez, beloved member of the Upper Keys community who created stunning artwork, on Aug. 12. Gutierrez passed away on July 3, 2023 after a courageous two-year battle with aggressive cancer.
A wife, mother, sister, daughter and visual artist with a long list of accomplishments, Gutierrez was so much more. A dedicated mother to her two children, Luke and Simon, she touched many hearts and always had a smile and a kind word.
“Veronica brought sunshine into every room she entered,” said Judy Hull, Islamorada Chamber of Commerce executive director. “She was an angel among us and she will be sorely missed by our community.”
Born and raised in Lima, Peru, she was an art teacher in the Upper Keys for 14 years — from elementary all the way through high school Advanced Placement (AP). Gutierrez also left her indelible mark with her heart for service in the community and for the San Pedro Catholic Church.
Gutierrez was a gifted stained-glass artist, and some of these colorful pieces were on display as those who knew her surrounded her family, husband Luis and her youngest son, Simon, who had recently graduated from Coral Shores High School. Gutierrez’s mother and sister came from Peru.
Our Place in Paradise also hosted a silent auction in which many generous local artists and businesses donated their artwork and items, all to benefit the Gutierrez family. Local musician David Feder strummed his guitar and people brought in food to share.
The gathering showcased once again the close-knit Florida Keys community. Gutierrez’s legacy lives on — in her sons, who embody her character and heart for service, in those who knew her, who will always remember her, and the community at large, who is more beautiful because she has lived here.
