A four-year resident of Ajijic, she was known in the community as an avid tennis player, dedicated volunteer and well-respected educator.

Originally from New York City, Gutman called the world her home, having lived in New York, California, Connecticut, Japan, England and Mexico. During her rich life, she also traveled to numerous countries spanning five continents.

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from City College of New York and a Master’s in Education at Fordham University, Gutman spent much of her adult life as an educator. She taught elementary school in the United States, English in Japan and founded Hightower and Gutman, a company she started to teach technology to corporate executives.

During her years at Lakeside, she joined the teaching staff at Instituto Loyola and gave volunteer time as organizer of a summer swim program for the Mision San Pablo and as head of the Angel Network at the Lake Chapala Jewish Congregation.

She is remembered for her warmth and compassion, along with her lively spirit. She loved playing tennis, traveling the world, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Gutman is survived by her husband Leo, who resides in Ajijic; sons Ken and Michael of California; brother Paul of New York; and her mother Beatrice of Florida.

A memorial gathering of friends at her Ajijic home on June 4 was followed by funeral services held June 8 in New York City, near the location where Sheila and Leo first met.