Mary Ida Guthrie Gallardo, 64, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023 at Taylor House in Des Moines, surrounded by her family. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm, Wednesday, May 17, at Brooks Funeral Care (formerly Tonini Chapel 2135 SW 9th St.). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, May 18, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with a burial following Mass at Glendale Cemetery.
Mary was born in Des Moines, Iowa on December 2, 1958 to William (Bill) and Ida Guthrie. She was born and raised on the south side, where she had a storybook childhood. She grew up in a family-friendly neighborhood when kids could fearlessly roam with relatives and friends, ride bikes, walk to school and spend summers playing outdoors until bedtime. She grew up directly across the street from her extended family of Italian grandparents, an aunt and uncle and close cousins. Mary was the first-born child in the family. As oldest, she developed her caretaking skills and was often in charge of keeping a watchful eye on the rest of the kids in the family. After school, she would stop at the neighborhood candy store and stuff her pockets with penny candies, always sharing with her younger siblings.
Mary Graduated from Lincoln High School where she had many friends and participated in Choir. Her class recorded a vinyl album. She loved music and blasting tunes. Mary worked at several retail stores, restaurants and at the family businesses. She was an expert donut maker. She made delicious fudge and brownies, her specialty. She was the designated gift wrapper. Mary loved giving presents. Mary was the best aunt. Her Easter and Christmas gifts were always over the top. She loved spoiling kids.
She met Jesse Gallardo and enjoyed over 35 years of marriage where they made their home and remained on the south side. They enjoyed a quiet life of listening to music and watching favorite TV shows, and adoring their beloved cats Max and Chloe.
Mary was possibly the world’s greatest fan of singer-songwriter Billy Joel. She had all of his records and went to concerts. If there was a piece of Billy memorabilia, she either had it or was saving up to buy it. She knew every line of every song. She was comforted by her favorite Billy songs in hospice.
Mary was kind, caring and nice to people. She had a signature laugh. She was honest. She spent many of her adult years caring for her aging grandmother and mom. She was the kind of person who saw a cardinal and instantly assumed that it is the spirt of a lost loved one.
Mary is preceded in death by her grandparents; her parents; her father-in-law, John Gallardo; and her brother, Tom Guthrie.
Mary is survived by her husband, Jesse Gallardo; brothers Gary Guthrie, and Michael Guthrie; and her nieces, Kira Barker, and Gabriella Guthrie; and many cousins and several more nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family.
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