Gina Gutierrez-Fischer

Gina Gutierrez-Fischer, 65, of Montgomery, Texas, passed away peacefully at home Sept. 26, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. Gina was married to James V. Fischer, a 1979 graduate of Williamsport Area High School and son of the late Frederick and Wilfredine (Billie Lou) Fischer, of Williamsport, PA.

Gina was born in Bakersfield, Calif., on May 16, 1961, a daughter of Pedro and Jainee (Garcia) Gutierrez. She graduated High School in Misawa, Japan, and moved to Hawaii when her father, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps (and later a deacon in the Catholic church), received orders to Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. It was here where Gina met her soulmate, Jim, who was serving in the U.S. Air Force at (then) Hickam AFB. They met at a singles’ young adult retreat in Hawaii, sparking a faith-based friendship, that served as the foundation for their 42-year marriage.

Gina was preceded in death by her brother, Jacy Gutierrez. Surviving are their children James C. (Annica) Fischer, of Ft. Worth, Texas; Brandon (Mario) Fischer, of Mexico City, Mexico; Matthew (Katie) Fischer, of Helotes, Texas; and Cameron (Mikayla) Fischer of Austin, Texas. Gina is also survived by brothers, Ken (Gordean) Gutierrez, of Kailua, Hawaii; Matthew (Sofia) Gutierrez, of Tuxedo Park, NY; and Tim (Brenda) Gutierrez, of Montgomery, Texas, as well as grandchildren Caden, Crew, Olivia, Callan, and Case, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Gina served as an orthodontic assistant in Hawaii, developing skills she would find useful on mission trips later in life. She and Jim married in San Antonio on April 7, 1984, and together they moved their family across the globe on several military assignments, enduring remote deployments, before settling in Boerne, Texas. Here is where Gina’s true passion for helping others flourished. She served as a special needs teachers’ assistant at Boerne High School and provided leadership and training in Special Olympics for many years. When her children graduated high school, she continued serving within the court system as a volunteer for Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA). In this role, Gina was an advocate, providing stability for children and youth experiencing abuse or neglect to ensure placement in safe, permanent homes. She also worked for Behavior Keys in San Antonio, where she provided parents with in-home training to manage behavioral challenges and support their daily routines.

Together, over the years, Jim and Gina participated in several mission trips across Peru, Guatemala, and Mexico, with Gina serving as a dental chairside assistant to provide hands-on community service to those in underprivileged regions.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the medical team at MD Anderson, Houston, who provided outstanding medical care, compassion, and support throughout Gina’s journey. Their dedication and kindness have brought comfort and hope during a challenging time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gina’s memory to MD Anderson Cancer Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A Christian burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, Montoursville, PA, on Oct. 9, 2026 at 11 a.m. with a reception immediately following at St. Lawrence Catholic Church hall, 800 W. Central Ave., South Williamsport, PA.

To share a memory or sign an online register book, please visit www.crousefuneralhome.com.