Violetta Ada Gutierrez

Violetta Ada Lopes-Sykes was born May 6, 1968 to Lucille and Theodore Lopes. She was raised in foster care along with her sister Laura by Tom and Mary-Helen Sykes who later adopted them. Violetta passed away suddenly on August 31st due to complications from Bone Cancer.

Violetta had a beautiful singing voice and could sing soul and gospel like an angel. She is likely a member of God’s choir now. She had an infectious laugh and smile that was much loved by her family and friends. She was a loyal friend and you could always count on her. She had a playful personality and was kind to everyone she came in contact with. She treated others with respect, and helped out whenever she could. Michael Jackson never had a truer and more loving fan than Violetta and she has a huge collection Of Michael Jackson memorabilia.

Violetta was strong and she was a fighter. She beat breast cancer and overcame several other health conditions. She never hesitated when it came to obstacles that seemed too difficult to overcome. She faced each challenge that was thrown her way with a smile. She taught us that with a strong will and a strong mentality you could overcome almost anything. When she recently learned about her stage 4 bone cancer, without flinching she simply said, “I’m just going to have to take each day as it comes and get through this. There is no time to worry or be stressed.” Inspirational words from an inspirational woman. She was a true definition of a warrior. She had hoped to ride it out for as long as possible but unfortunately the end came too soon.

She leaves behind her pride and joys; her two children Thomas Williams, and Laura Gutierrez, whom she taught that no matter the severity of a situation to never ever give up and to face each challenge head on because more times than not you will conquer and come out on top! She loved them with all her heart and will do all she can for them from the other side, just like the loving mother she was, is, and always will be. She also leaves behind her sister Laura Sykes, her brother Cameron Lopes, and many friends who love and adore her. One day we hope to see you and reunite with you on the other side!!

She is preceded in death by her mom Helen Sykes and dad, Tom Sykes, as well as many other family members and friends that she has missed dearly. It will be a happy reunion for her and her loved ones.

A viewing will be on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Starks Funeral Parlor on 3651 South and 900 East Salt Lake City, Utah from 6:00 pm 8:00pm. The burial will be September 9, 2021 for close family members at Mount Olivet Cemetery on 1342 East 500 South Salt Lake City, Utah.