Lorenza Veronica Gutierrez Barajas Singley 

September 05, 1938 – December 31, 2025

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Lorenza Veronica Gutierrez Barajas Singley on December 31, 2025, at the age of 87 in Sacramento, CA.  She was a devout Catholic and a loving mother who shared her tender and caring heart with all who knew her.  We are comforted by the belief that mom is now reunited with dad, her beloved husband, who has been anxiously awaiting her arrival. She is survived by her three remaining siblings, sisters Maria (Michael-deceased), Lupe (Carlos) and Gloria (Rudy).

Lorenza was born on September 05, 1938, in El Monte, CA.  She was a dearly loved daughter of the late Lauriano and Caterina Gutierrez Barajas who was raised by hardworking parents in a loving family of 12 children.  Her childhood memories were filled with joy; she recalled the multiple musicians in her family and authentic meals created by her mom, which provided a home to all where family and friends came together to enjoy music and delicious home cooked meals. She especially remembers her mom preparing meals for her brothers and their hungry friends.  She respected and honored her parents dearly.  She graduated from El Monte High School and soon after, started a career in banking in downtown Los Angeles, which inevitably led her in meeting a handsome young man.      

Lorenza married the love of her life, Lawrence I. Singley on September 07, 1963, at Epiphany Catholic Church in South El Monte, CA, with Reverend Michael Hunt officiating. They were married for nearly 47 years, until the passing of her husband on August 21, 2010.  They shared a very special love and support for one another.  They were best friends and enjoyed making each other laugh while challenging each other at crossword puzzles.  They both shared a love for animals, and they created a home where a dog was always a cherished part of the family (and sometimes fish, birds and a cat). 

As a little girl, Lorenza would tell her mom that she wishes to become a nun.  Her mom would share with her that one day she would become another type of mother - a mom to children, and that is what Lorenza and Lawrence created – a family of five. They were devoted and loving parents who dedicated their earthly journey to raising and enriching the lives of their three children.   

Lorenza was passionate about her role at the State of California, Employment Development Department and was an honorable and dedicated public servant.  She frequently utilized her bilingual skills in providing service to the people of California, for whom she worked tirelessly to support.  She retired in 2004 after 26 years of faithful service.  She spoke caringly about her colleagues and developed close lifelong relationships with them; she was blessed to be visited by them even throughout her last days. 

Lorenza loved spoiling her rescue dog Bailey, who never lacked for a fluffy blanket, special treats, toys or spa days.  He always had the gentle hand of mom petting him, providing her affectionate care over him.  This must be the reason her (and dad’s) last beautiful rescue dog, Patches, lived to the age of 18.  Lorenza also enjoyed admiring the wild birds visiting her garden, especially the hummingbirds of whom received the nourishment of fresh weekly nectar from my mom, and in return, she received their sweet visitations over decades. She loved gardening and caring for the flowers and fruit trees that dad originally cultivated. She was always thrilled to plant new perennials or annuals; because of her health, it became difficult if not impossible, but even during the last two months of her life, her daughter and son-in-law took her on one of her joy-filled outings to her favorite plant nursery and she selected mums (one of dad’s favorites and also the special flower of Dia de Los Muertos).  Her son Glenn planted them for her and they now adorn her garden.  She experienced so much joy in making creations through her talents of hand embroidery, cross stitch and crochet; two of her final hand-made gifts included a gorgeous, crocheted baby blanket for her first great-grandson and a beautiful scarf for her son-in-law.      

Lorenza was a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Sacramento.  She always felt deeply blessed by the gifts of the Catholic family, especially Reverend Amir Awad. While her health started to prevent her from physically attending mass, she would always enjoy and remain connected via the livestream mass. She was especially blessed to have received in-home visits and communion from the loving church community, especially Father Amer and Barbara Ward.    

Lorenza will always be remembered for her beautifully faithful, kind and gentle spirit.  When you spoke with her, she made you feel loved and cherished.  She created a home of peace and prayer.  She prayed endlessly and was a faithful child of God.  We will always imagine hearing her recite the rosary and sharing a special prayer for one in need.  She was an angel on earth and we will deeply miss her.  Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her. 

Lorenza was preceded in death by Lawrence I. Singley, husband, and is survived by three children: Martin M. Singley, Elaine M. Singley (Timothy R. Lang) and Glenn Singley (Melani Carlson).  Lorenza was a proud mother-in-law to Karen Singley, grandmother to Jarrad Singley, Lauren Singley-Schloemer (Eric), Trevor Singley and Jane Singley.  Lorenza was also blessed to become a great-grandmother to Levi and Liam Schloemer.

The Rosary/Visitation will be held Monday, January 12, 2026 6:00 pm at North Sacramento Funeral Home with Reverend Michael Kiernan officiating, Christian Burial Mass is Tuesday, January 13, 2026 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Sacramento with Reverend Amer Awad officiating and Committal Service Wednesday, January 14, 2026 10:15 am at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon with Reverend Ronald Torres officiating.