Maria "Theresa" Teresita Brown

Theresa was born on May 11, 1953, in Chama, New Mexico, to Jose and Antonia Gutierrez. She was raised in Chama with her nine siblings, she was the fifth oldest. At the young age of 17 Theresa made her way to Utah on a whim. She returned back to New Mexico briefly before returning to Utah and starting her life here. In 1972, she was blessed with her first baby boy, Jesus “Chuy” Martinez. Not too long after, in 1973, her second son Lee Gutierrez was born.

In 1989 Theresa joined the Navy Reserves and met her husband, David Brown, while working at the old Ogden Defense Depot. The two married in Hawaii in December of 1993 while she was stationed there. After serving her four years in the Navy Reserves Theresa transferred to the Army Reserves with a short period of being Active Duty. When the Defense Depot closed down she worked at Hill Air Force Base before finishing her career as a civilian at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City. She attended Weber State University and received a degree in Human Resources. She later continued her education online and received a Bachelor’s Degree.

In 1998 Theresa took on the responsibility of raising her two granddaughters, Seleste and Alissa Martinez. Where she raised them as her own daughters. Being a mother was something that came very natural to her and she always had a need to nurture. Theresa lived a life full of love, rich in adventure, devoted to serving others and faithfully walked with the Lord. From helping with hurricane relief efforts in Houston to venturing on a religious tour in Israel. While in Jerusalem, she walked and rode a donkey along the path of Christ’s crucifixion and was baptized in the Jordan River deeping her faith.

Theresa was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She had a radiant smile that could light up the room.

She enjoyed playing softball, traveling, walking with her dogs up towards Powder Mountain, and winning in Wendover. Theresa was the type of person who welcomed anyone into her home with open arms and treated everyone as if they were family. She loved her dog Lily.

Theresa returned to her heavenly father at the age of 71. She passed away peacefully at home, in Eden, Utah, on April 7, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded with love and her daughter by her side.

Theresa is survived by her husband, David Brown; son, Lee (Crystal) Gutierrez; daughters, Seleste and Alissa Martinez; granddaughters, Isabella, Theresa and Rhonda Gutierrez; siblings, Rose (Gilbert) Valdez, Sadie Thompson, Robert (Pat) Gutierrez, Angie (Benny) Serrano, Fermin (Jane) Gutierrez, Josie Hargrove, and Evelyn (Dwayne) DeCosta; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her son, Jesus Martinez; parents, Jose and Antonia Gutierrez; brother, Horacio Gutierrez; sister, Mary Lucero; and niece, Rhonda Gutierrez.

The family would like to give a big thank you to the Blue Ridge Cancer Center, Dr. Patel and the Oncology team at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Hospital, Applegate Home Health and Canyon Hospice. Your love and support in Theresa’s journey was felt and greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation to the VA or to cancer research. Share some ice cream in her memory with your loved ones and hug your mothers extra tight.

Theresa will be deeply missed but her love will live on within every heart that she touched during her time on earth.

Funeral services will be held on Friday April 18, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Lindquist's Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary.

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