Annette Marie Ortuño

Annette Marie “Dee” “Chi Chi” Ortuño, was born on April 2, 1970, in Washington D.C.  Her mother, Maria De Lourdes Ortuño, had immigrated from Matanzas, Cuba, and her father Gonzalo Ortuño Paredes, from Cochabamba, Bolivia. Raised in Arlington, VA, Annette attended and graduated from Yorktown High School. She was a special daughter, sister, friend, birth mother and tía (aunt). Annette exuded love and care to people she held dear and was quick to make new friends. Her amazing sense of humor and ability to make others laugh even from a young age, was one way she carried on through difficult times and made life brighter for others. In addition, her creative stories and incredible imagination made her a favorite, especially with the children in her life. Annette enjoyed music and sang beautifully in talent shows, pageants, weddings and church worship, and she also enjoyed dancing in a folkloric Bolivian group in her younger years. She was fascinated with cultures, food, and languages from all over the world.

God began a work of mercy and love in Annette when she was a young adult. At that time, she made Jesus Lord of her life, accepting His love, grace and forgiveness. She attended Harvest Christian Fellowship in Reston, VA for many years and then Fairfax Covenant Church in Virginia (now Redeeming Grace Church), helping in the children’s ministry and Sunday school and attending care groups, by whom she was very well loved. 

Annette’s service and love for others extended far and wide. In her work as a receptionist at a Tyson’s Corners mall management office for more than 10 years, she shone brightly with God’s love. Annette invested her time with Youth Development International where she delighted in bringing gifts and music at Christmas to children at a juvenile detention center. Because of her experience as a birth mother, Annette had a heart of understanding and compassion for young women in crisis. She served as a counselor and especially worked with Spanish-speaking women at the Sanctity of Life Pregnancy Center in Fairfax, Virginia, making sure every lady she met at the center was loved unconditionally. Annette was also involved with Bethany Christian Services speaking to birth mothers who had or were considering placing their child for adoption. 

Unexpectedly, at the age of 50, Annette passed away after suffering from a pulmonary embolism due to a blood clot, on October 8, 2020. Annette is preceded in death by her beloved father Gonzalo Ortuño. She is survived by her dear mother Maria Ortuño, and her sisters Suzanne (Joel) Malek, and Maria (Chris) Gibbs. She is also survived by her precious nieces and nephews that she cherished, Joshua, Isabella, Caleb and Daniel Malek and Vincent, Faith and Nathan Gibbs, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. Annette is also survived by her son Brendan Gabriel O’Brien. Annette loved her son deeply, consistently cheering him on and cherishing him as he was raised by his adoptive parents, Dan and Kelly O’Brien. Annette is preceded in death by Dan and survived by Kelly both of whom were blessings in Annette’s life and welcomed her as part of their family. Brendan’s siblings were very close to Annette’s heart: Caitlin, Liam, Sean, Keagan, Meagan, Katie and James O’Brien.

Annette is deeply missed by her family and friends, and we long to see her again in heaven one day. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following ministries Annette was a part of as she passionately advocated for mothers in crisis and their little ones with these organizations: Sanctity of Life Ministries and Bethany Christian Services.