Help Gabriel's Family Through This Tragedy

In Loving Memory of Gabriel Valenzuela

June 20, 1978 - June 29, 2025

Dearest family and friends,

Its with the heaviest hearts that we share news that our family experienced a devastating tragedy changing our lives forever.

Gabriel—our mother’s son, Diego and Lili’s devoted dad, our beloved brother, and Jennifer’s partner of over 20 years—left us far too soon.

To say we are heartbroken doesn’t begin to capture the depth of our grief or the immense void left in his absence. We are still in shock and struggling to comprehend this loss.

Gabriel was kind, thoughtful, generous, sensitive, creative, loyal, and incredibly witty. A gifted writer and amazing cook, he brought laughter and comfort to everyone around him. His quick wit, sarcastic humor, and self-deprecating jokes were his signature, and no family gathering was complete without his playful jabs and delicious meals.

Above all, Gabriel loved his family deeply. Jenny, Diego, Lili, his big dog Rocket, and his cats were his whole world. He was a proud and loving father, a dedicated husband, and a constant source of support and joy for those who knew him. His absence will be felt every day—in missed birthdays, graduations, holidays, and all the milestones he would have celebrated with us.

We are sharing Gabriel’s story as we begin the painful journey through grief toward a future that no longer includes his gentle presence and mischievous spirit. His loss is not only emotionally devastating—it has also placed an overwhelming financial burden on his young family. In a single moment, the future he and Jenny have been building together for 20 years was taken away.

Jenny, a schoolteacher, is now navigating this unimaginable loss while continuing to raise their two amazing children on her own. Jenny is having to face unexpected financial burdens - things that no one should have to worry about during an already devastating time. There are some very real and very immediate financial challenges ahead.

We are asking for your support to help ease some of the financial strain during this incredibly difficult time for Jenny and the kids.

Your donation—no matter the amount—will go directly toward:

• Funeral and memorial expenses

• Medical bills from Gabriel’s hospital stay

• Mental health resources and grief counseling for Diego and Lili

• Essential living expenses for Jenny and the kids

If you are able to contribute, we are deeply grateful. If not, we ask that you keep Jenny, Diego, Lili, and also our mom, Amparo, in your thoughts and prayers. No parent should have to bury a child.

We miss you so much already, Gabe. Life will never be the same without you.

And to our family and friends, we are grateful for your love, support, prayers, and words.

With love and gratitude,

Jacqueline Barajas Gutierrez (Jenny’s sister) and Claudia and Alex Valenzuela (Gabe’s siblings)