CARMEN VALENCIA SINGH
Mar. 5, 1932 - Feb. 26, 2017
Carmen Singh, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt passed away peacefully Sunday, February 26, 2017 at the age of 84 at BonitaView Home in Bonita, CA.
Born March 5, 1932 in Goodyear, Arizona, Carmen was the first of four children born to Carlos and Lupe Valencia. Her siblings include Arnold, Irene and the late Adolfo. Carmen received her education at Brawley schools before starting a family of her own, following her marriage to Albert Singh in 1948. Together they had 6 children, raising them in Brawley. Carmen loved watching her children at their sporting events at Hinojosa and Gonzales Parks and any activity that they were involved in. Additionally, she enjoyed going to the casino and watching LA Dodgers baseball games.
Family and friends were Carmen’s passion and delight. She hosted family and friends countless times in her Brawley home, where, more often than not, the drinks were flowing, the playing cards were out and the music was turned up. She was a very strong family oriented person who would have done anything for her family. With Carmen spending most of her adult life as a homemaker, she was able to have her grandchildren over after school and on the weekends. They all looked forward to going to Nana’s house because they knew homemade tortillas with butter and a game of Pokeno awaited them. In addition to her homemade tortillas, Carmen was well known for her tamale making skills. That tradition has since carried on with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren during the holiday season.
Carmen shared a special bond with each of her children and grandchildren, whether it was giving advice on life, reminiscing on memories, or sharing the stories of her past as she was growing up. Throughout her life she worked hard and maintained a sweet demeanor that won the trust and hearts of all who knew her. She possessed a beautifully contagious smile and took great pride in her appearance with her diva-like style. From the fuchsia toned lipsticks and nails to her shimmering blouses, Carmen made her mark everywhere she went. Her heart of gold and her beautiful smile will never be forgotten.
Visitation, with rosary, will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 5 at Frye Chapel & Mortuary in Brawley. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Mass will commence at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 6 at St. Margaret Mary Church in Brawley. Carmen will have her final resting place at Riverview Cemetery immediately following mass.
Carmen was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Adolfo Valencia (2006); husband, Albert Singh (2010); and great- granddaughter, Carlie Alvarez (2011).
Carmen is survived by her children: Susan (Paul) Barra, Pat (Sal) Perez, Richard (Margaret) Singh, Arthur Singh, Albert Singh Jr., and Corina (David) Singh; her 13 grandchildren who idolized her: Lisa (Rene) Gutierrez, Chuck (Maribel) Perez, Christina Perez, Alexis Singh, Andrea (Jorge) Tapia, Rick Singh, T.J. Singh, Erica (Shannon) Whitt, Daniel Singh, Amanda Singh, David “Budge” Singh, Giovanni Singh, and Brianna Singh; 14 great-grandchildren: Mia Gutierrez, Stephani, CJ, and Jacob Perez, Ciara, Clarisa, Caylee and Joanna Alvarez, Astyn Martinez, Messi Tapia, Rihana Singh, and Jayden, Katelynn and Jared Whitt; and one great-great-grandson arriving in June. She is also survived by her siblings: Arnold (Mary) Valencia and Irene Lopez; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.