Andrea Ellen Sydor Gutierrez, 76, of Seadrift passed away April 26, 2024 in San Antonio.
She was born July 14, 1947, in Portland, Oregon to Anthony Andrew and Ellen Aust Sydor.
After graduating from Grant High School in Portland in ‘65 Andrea wed David Ethan Granum and raised three children. Michelle Jean(‘66), Charles David(67), Chance Micheal Patrick(‘72-’94). From ‘67 thru ‘74 the family crisscrossed the United States living in a 18 foot travel trailer towed by a pickup as David installed telephone switching equipment in small towns for Stromberg-Carlson, making it possible for direct dial telephones in rural communities.
Settling in the Foothills of the Uinta Mountains the family took up running a small farm. Andrea worked tirelessly, not only on the farm and the kids, but also as a news reporter for the radio station KNEU “The Country Canoe” and as a free lance newspaper reporter with stories picked up by The AP for nationwide publication, of which she was quite proud.
In ‘79 the family moved to Killeen, TX and Andrea secured a position in the newsroom at KIXS/KIIZ radio. Working her way up to news director for the station. She also worked for the Killeen Daily Herald as a print reporter. After leaving the news business, she worked for Busby and Associates as a private investigator.
She received the Texas Gavel Award in 1982 given by the State Bar of Texas for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism.
She then moved to Austin, TX where she worked as a supervisor for the City of Austin Health Department.
In Oct. of 1998 her second husband Emeterio Berlanga was tragically killed due to a boating accident on Lake Travis.
Her military career began in 1981 when she joined the Air Force Reserves. She completed her basic training as an honor grad and went to Lowry AFB, Colorado for training in Intelligence Operations. From there she returned to the 704th Fighter Squadron under the 924th Fighter Group at Bergstrom AFB in Austin. She received Outstanding Airman Of The Year for The Tenth Air Force and Tactical Air Command. When Bergstrom was deactivated, Andrea began cross training for medical services with the 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Lackland AFB, Texas. She earned The Air Force Meritorious Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Achievement Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Award with 3 devices; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with 1 device; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 2 devices; NATO Medal with 2 devices; plus many more accolades too numerous to list. She participated in the Bosnia/Herzegovina Campaign in support of Operation Joint Guard and Operation Joint Forge. Andrea’s most rewarding military missions was humanitarian efforts at Pine Ridge reservation helping the Oglala Souix with medical services and also Northern Alaska. She served with the 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Lackland AFB until she retired on June 7, 2003, as a Master Sergeant.
While stationed at Lackland AFB, she met Raul G. Gutierrez, Sr. while she was working in Medical Services, and he was working in Medical Logistics. They were married April 18, 2002 and just celebrated their 22nd anniversary.
With a keen sense of humor and quick wit Andrea was not only funny and entertaining, she was very smart and was always wanting to learn more. She used her incredible tact to lead and compassion for others to leave an indelible mark for good in people’s lives. She will be missed by many. She was a big fan of Elvis Presley, loved playing hearts, fishing, traveling to different countries (a favorite trip being to Italy), and she was happiest when she was riding her Harley 883 CC Sportster. Andrea was an incredible friend. She loved many, she loved fiercely and was a complete and loyal friend. Andrea is loved by many and will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her husband, Raul G. Gutierrez, Sr.; daughter, Michelle Grimm (Garth); son, Charles Granum, brothers, James Cox, Roberto Sonny Camp; grandchildren, Natasha Simoneaux (Sean), and her two best friends Louine (Lou) Travis, and Teresa Reeves.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved son Chance Granum.
A rosary was recited Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home followed by a memorial service at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church c/o Our Lady of the Gulf in support of the Ukraine effort, 415 W Austin, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 or www.milossanctuary.org.
Words of comfort and special memories may be shared with the family at www.richardsoncolonial.com
