Marie (Gambone) Gutekunst

Marie Gutekunst, a devoted mother and compassionate provider, passed away on June 24, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering support for those around her. Marie always said her most important job in life was to be a mother, and she embodied this role with remarkable dedication and selflessness.

Born to the late Armand and Marie Otis Gambone and raised in Fairmount, Marie cherished her childhood memories, including walking to the art museum and living with her beloved Grandmom and Aunt Ann. Her cousins, Mike and Pat, who also lived with their Grandmom, became more like brothers to her.

At the tender age of 16, Marie married Erwin and soon welcomed her first child, Matthew. After her husband fell ill, Marie demonstrated incredible strength and independence, moving back with her Grandmom to provide for her young son. During this time, she met Bernardino, known as Bill, with whom she had her daughter Vickie, who was born in Palm Beach, Florida. Marie and Vickie later lived in Palm Beach, but after the relationship ended, they returned to the comfort and support of family.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Marie's courage never wavered. She moved back to Philadelphia, where family meant everything to her. There, she met her husband Thomas and had four more children: Stephanie, Katherine, Marie, and Thomas. Marie had always dreamed of having ten children, and her family was her greatest joy.

Life brought many hardships, including the devastating loss of her children Stephanie, Matthew, Thomas, and Katherine, all of whom Marie watched pass away. The loss of each child deeply affected Marie, yet she remained strong for her family. After Stephanie passed, Marie and her other children lived on Huntington Street for many years.

Marie held various jobs throughout her life, including waitressing and managing rental properties for her partner Bill who owned many properties. Marie and Bill spent about 10 years together, during which he supported her and helped her enjoy simple pleasures like eating out, going to the movies, or shopping.

In her later years, Marie faced significant health challenges, undergoing multiple surgeries because she very much wanted to live and continue supporting her loved ones. Despite being in constant pain, Marie never took medicine or a drink for her pain, saying she gave it up to God. Through it all, she maintained a wonderful sense of humor, often making jokes about her unfortunate events to lighten the mood and bring smiles to those around her.

Marie celebrated her 70th birthday surrounded by her grandchildren and family, a moment of great joy for her. She was the rock of the family, always promoting harmony and love. Her beloved dog and cat were also dear to her heart.

Marie is now reunited with her children, including her angel Stephanie, whom she believed would guide her to heaven. Her love, generosity, and spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched.

Marie loved to have masses said for her children and loved ones. In honor of Marie Gutekunst, please consider having a mass said for her; she would love that.

Marie, you will be deeply missed and always remembered for your boundless love, strength, and humor. May you rest in peace, surrounded by your mom and children when you arrive in heaven. 

She was the wife of the late Thomas Rash, Sr.  Devoted mother of Vickie Fallone, Marie Rash and the late Matthew Gutekunst, Katherine Rash, Thomas Rash and Stephanie Rash.  Grand mom of Matthew, Theresa, Brandon, Edward, James, Victoria and Carissa.  Loving great grand mom of Ava,  Alivia, Julian, Siona, Matthew and Marilyn.  Devoted sister of Pat Castillo, James McGowan, Patrick Green, Michael Romey, and the late Colleen and Armand Gambone.  Sadly missed by her nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing and funeral on Friday, June 28, 2024 beginning at 9 AM to 10:45 AM in the HUBERT M. McBRIDE FUNERAL HOME, 2357 East Cumberland St.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM, in St. Anne's Church, 2328 East Lehigh Avenue. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery.

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