Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Florinda Lorenzo (affectionally known as “Florie”), 72, beloved wife, mother, great grandmother, grandmother, sister, and friend peacefully passed away on June 16, 2025, in Hanford, California. Florie was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the US when she married her childhood neighbor and the love of her life, Je’el Lorenzo. Florie was a compassionate, nurturing, faithful, and loving lady who always put others first and sacrificed much to give her family the best opportunity. This was first exemplified in her earlier years when she helped her siblings in the Philippines.
She was a proud US Navy spouse and had the opportunity to experience different cities and make lifelong friends. Florie predominantly raised her children for most of their childhood because her husband was frequently deployed to defend our nation. She was thankful to be given so much opportunity in the US because she grew up with limited resources while she was growing up in the Philippines, and she was able to see first-hand that one could reach the “American Dream” with grit, patience, love, dedication, and thankfulness. She learned what it meant to be an American and why so many have called it home; the freedom and many opportunities to make one’s dream a reality are what she got to experience herself and with her family.
As a naval spouse, she was most comfortable with other naval spouses. She shared the challenges of deployments but rejoiced in being free and pursuing her dream: to teach, mentor, and develop her children; to always work hard; and, to never forget the need to “be kind and be humble” no matter what happens in life. She led by example and worked tirelessly to give her family the best life.
She effortlessly made a way when there was no way, and she instilled perseverance in her children, so they could accomplish their dreams and aspirations—whether it be to pursue a graduate degree, a new career, or a different path. She was a great listener and provided gentle advice along the way. She celebrated each achievement and always offered comforting words in each disappointment; her calming and loving presence is what her family adored about her.
She also valued her family and the close friends she made along the way; she valued each friendship and treated her friends like her own brothers and sisters. Her friends helped keep her grounded and always offered a listening ear, and she was grateful for each of them.
Florie enjoyed spending time with those she loved no matter the activity. She loved watching all her grandchildren grow and celebrated their achievements and milestones. She enjoyed being in the audience as she watched her husband sing love songs in various karaoke venues because he had a beautiful and joyous voice she adored; she quietly smiled and gently laughed with happiness. She enjoyed the multiple road trips and weekend excursions with her family and stopped in Pismo Beach to eat the clam chowder, a long-time favorite from when she lived in Philadelphia. She also enjoyed the fruits and vegetables her husband harvested from the garden, sharing them with her family and making delicious meals. She was a phenomenal cook and ensured everyone left the table as full as possible.
Florie is survived by her devoted and loving husband of over 47 years, Je’el, children Percival (and his wife Malou), Jesse (and his wife Dawn), and Jezra (and her husband Sal). Her happiness was further increased by her five loving grandchildren—Alana, Angelo, Hannah, Amalya, and Luke; and, her three great grandchildren—Ace, Aethan, and Aceeya. All these grandchildren brought endless joy, laughter, and hope into her life. She was so proud of her family and always found opportunities to comment on their accomplishments, but she always reminded them to not forget their humble beginnings. Her husband, children, and grandchildren loved and cherished her more than any words can express; each moment with her lightened one’s burden and brought comfort or sparked a smile or laugh along the way.
Although her physical presence is no longer with us, Florie left an indelible imprint on everyone’s heart – her quiet and gentle laughter, unyielding compassion for others, and steadfast and loyal love for her family and friends.
Services to celebrate Florie’s beautiful life will be held with arrangements coordinated by Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Home in Hanford, CA. The rosary will take place at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (10435 Hanford Armona Rd, Hanford, CA 93230) on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 12:00 pm, with a Funeral Mass to follow at 12:30 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will occur at the Lemoore Veterans Hall (411 W. D Street, Lemoore, CA 93245) at 2:00 pm; the color theme for the service are purple and white, Florie’s favorite colors.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Florinda M Lorenzo, please visit our floral store.