Ranjit Kaur Singh

February 2, 1932 - August 9, 2014

Ranjit Kaur Singh was born in 1932 in a small village in the Punjab region of colonial India. Her mothers’ family owned a farm and her youth was spent between Ludhiana, where her father practiced law, and the village with her maternal grandparents. She had very fond memories of her time in the village, and especially of her grandmother. She was the eldest of six siblings, whom she loved dearly. Although she was interested in attending college, as a woman the culture of that time prevented her from following this dream. Instead, she was able to convince her father to allow her to study Home Economics at a local technical college after completing her studies. She married Gursharan Singh in November 1958 and they were together for 33 years. Dad was employed by Shell Oil’s Burma division, which allowed them to live in various parts of India. Paul was born in 1959, followed by Dolly in 1962 and Apu in 1964. In late 1964 Dad left us in Ludhiana with Moms’ family, to pursue a degree at the University of Colorado. In 1967, after his graduation, we joined him in Denver, becoming one of the first Sikh families to reside in the Denver metropolitan area. Despite the geographical distance, Mom remained close to her siblings in India. Over the next 22 years she and her family lived in Westminster, Colorado. When her children were young, she learned English and was a stay-at-home mom. When they were a little older, she worked as a seamstress both in and outside of the house. She was adept in all things related to sewing; making her own patterns and sewing clothing, curtains and other items. In the 1970’s,she joyously welcomed two of her sisters and their husbands to the United States. The Indian community in those early years was small but very close and she loved hosting many gatherings for them. Religion and spirituality were an important element in her life. She welcomed all religious views and was accommodating to anyone who came to her door and would hear what they had to say with an open mind and generous heart. The community’s religious life changed dramatically in 1975, when a Gurdwara opened in Denver. This allowed her to formally practice her cherished Sikh faith in a communal setting. In 1988 Mom and Dad relocated to California to live with Paul; eventually we all moved to the Bay Area to be closer to them. She lovingly cared for her husband during the difficult final years of his life, and was able to keep him at home until he passed away in 1991. Some of her greatest joys were related to traveling; she travelled extensively in the United States, and internationally, visiting her family in India many times. In later life, she traveled to many places with our families including cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal. Family events around the country like weddings and reunions gave her immeasurable pleasure. For many years, Mom was also able to pursue her hobbies like knitting and crocheting; she also joined quilting and ceramics groups. She made many gifts for friends and family that we will cherish for years to come. In 1999 Mom moved to Benicia to live with Dolly and Jim. She was able to enjoy time with her grandchildren; Brent, Maya and Benjamin. We were blessed to have her presence way beyond what she expected. Despite her health challenges, Mom relished every visit with friends and family. She considered many friends her extended family; particularly welcoming those who could not be with their own families. We will miss Mom more than words can express. We love you so much. Thank you for everything you did, were, and helped us all become.