Lorraine Sigala Fitzgerald

Monterey, CA – Lorraine Laura Sigala Gonzales Fitzgerald, in her home and in the company of her beloved family and friends went home to our Lord on Sunday, July 17, 2011 from metastatic breast cancer. Born March 6, 1948 in Salinas, she attended Roosevelt Elementary, Sacred Heart School and was a graduate of and Salinas High School. Class of 1966. Lorraine worked for the Alisal Elementary School District as an Instructional Aid and Health Aid for 15 years.

Following the death of her husband of 20 years, Francisco Gonzales, Lorraine went back to school and graduated from the Hartnell College Nursing program in 1993. She devoted her life to helping others and used her nursing skills as a volunteer at many VNA and Hospice events. Lorraine worked as a RN at Natividad Hospital and as a RN and Discharge Planner at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.

Lorraine was an active parent and grandparent who volunteered in her children’s and grandchildren’s classrooms, Little League, Boy Scouts, dance recitals, etc. At the drop of a hat, Lorraine would come to the aid of her family and friends. She was the epitome of selfless love and devotion; always offering to lend a helping hand to those in need. Lorraine loved to ballroom and Salsa dance and danced at Ed Stone’s studio in Monterey and Shall We Dance in Pacific Grove. She lived an active life including hiking and taking long walks on the beach. Above all else, Lorraine enjoyed time with her family and friends, traveling, spending time out in nature, cooking, good wine, music and lots and lots of laughter. On a recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, she swam with dolphins, went on water slides and rode a jet ski. Lorraine was always adventuresome and lived life to the fullest. Her infectious laugh and radiant smile will be missed.

Lorraine loved being a Catholic and was active in many parish functions. When living in Salinas, she belonged to St. Mary’s of the Nativity Catholic Church serving as a Catechist, Choir Member, Lector and Eucharistic Minister. When she moved to Monterey, she became a parishioner of St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Pacific Grove where she was a Lector and Eucharistic Minister, an active member of the 40 Plus group, IHELP, RCIA sponsor and supported the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Lorraine was very generous and gave of her time and talents as well as financial support to many charities.

Lorraine is survived by her devoted husband of three years, George T. Fitzgerald, III.; her children, Lorraine Gonzales Ramirez, Frank Gonzales, Jess Gonzales and Michael Gonzales; her daughter-in-law, Erica Velasquez; her step-sons, Christopher Gilmore and Marcus Gilmore; grandchildren, Darielle Gonzales, Francisco Gonzales, Teresa Ramirez, David Ramirez, Ruby Gonzales and Jesse Gonzales; her mother, Mary Lou Sigala; her sisters and brothers, Irene Salas, Selda (David) Sigala-Aguilar, Steve Sigala, Andrew Sigala and George (Diana) Sigala and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

In addition to her first husband, Lorraine was preceded in death by her father, Panfillo “Boye” Sigala, and her nephew, Andres Garcia Sigala.

The family would like to thank the nurses on the Terrace East and Terrace West floors of CHOMP for their excellent care; her wonderful Oncologist, Dr. John Hausdorff who helped to give Lorraine eleven more years of vibrant life and to her many home health aides, nurses, massage therapists and respite volunteers through the Hospice of the Central Coast. Their support and care helped to make this transition a wonderful and loving experience. A special thank you to her loving and devoted caregiver, Christine Estrada, for always going above and beyond in her care of Lorraine.

Visitation will take place at St. Angela Merici Church this Sunday, July 24 at 6:00 PM followed by a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will also be at St. Angela Merici on Monday, July 25 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, Lorraine requested donations go to the Saint Angela Merici Food Pantry, 146 – 8th St., Pacific Grove, 93950 or to the Hospice of the Central Coast, PO Box 2480, Monterey, 93942.