Melida Gutiérrez-Chen and Baby Asher Chen passed away unexpectantly on November 14, 2022. Melida was born September 14, 1991 to the late Benjamin Gutiérrez (deceased) and Maria Haydee Martinez in Nicaragua and emigrated to the U.S. when she was 8 years old, settling in Miami, Florida. She is survived by her husband and college sweetheart, Alan Chen, mother (Haydee), brother (Edwin Gutierrez) and beloved dogs Maddie and Maya.

Melida obtained her B.A. from the University of Florida and became the first one in her family to graduate from college. Soon after graduation, Melida and her husband moved to Indianapolis where she taught middle school Spanish for two years while earning her M.A. from Marian University. In 2016, Melida joined the Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Upward Bound program as Academic Coordinator and moved into an Assistant Director role. She became active in Educational Opportunity Association leadership, serving in multiple capacities both in the state and through the region. In 2021 and 2022, Melida served as the Indiana TRIO President-Elect and President, respectively. During her Presidency, she became the Director of TRIO Student Support Services at Iona University in New York.

Melida loved to travel and experience new places with family and friends. Her favorite hobby was walking through Target with a chai tea latte from Starbucks. She will be dearly missed by family and loved ones.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 27 from 5 pm – midnight at Vior Funeral Home (291 NW 37th Avenue, Miami, FL 33216). Mass will be held on Monday, November 28 at 9:30 am at Our Lady of Divine Providence (10205 West Flagler St. Miami FL 33174).

Flowers may be sent to the Vior Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to 71 Thrive Rd Unit 201, Davenport FL 33896. Donations in Melida’s memory may be made to Indiana TRIO, online at https://indianatrio.org/ . 

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