Lolita Theresita Barajas was born on June 13, 1973 in Brooklyn, New York to Henson and Kathryn Lacon the youngest of three children. Even as a young child she exhibited a sense of curiosity and exploration. She was never shy and approached everyone who would let her indulge in a conversation even at an early age. This occurred with children her age, older children and all manner of adults. She simply felt comfortable around people. She was adored by her family as a clever and inquisitive spirit.
At the age of 10 years old, Lolita, and her family moved to Los Angeles, California. The Southern California lifestyle fit this NY kid perfectly! Big lights, movie stars, hot weather, and entertainment were right up her alley! As a little girl Lolita loved the performing arts, enjoyed singing, ballet, modeling, and child acting opportunities. Lolita explored these interests and love in her selection of The Los Angeles County High School of the Arts for HS. Here she continued to grow in her love for performance and the art of communicating with all through interaction. It was also where she met and formed some of her amazing friendships with classmates that would last a lifetime.
Lolita would continue to pursue her love for performance and communication through the fine arts in her attendance to the University of California Berkeley. There she learned much about California history, the blending of immigrant communities and other cultures from around the world. During her studies she was actively involved in social justice advocacy and the search for solutions to address challenges. Her passion for her fellow mankind continued to grow and so did her involvement in social causes. The investment in these topics returned her to Los Angeles looking to work directly in communities.
Lolita became very active in her church community, both volunteering to strengthen the work of the church and its ministry to aid and support those less fortunate. At church she also met the man who would become her husband. They were married on December 6, 2003. Lolita attended the University of Phoenix and in 2006 she earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree.
Soon after graduating she started to work at Phoenix House, an adolescent care facility. A place she loved to work because she always saw the hope and potential in the young people even when others did not. There she took a group of young girls under her wing and provided counseling services to them and their families. More importantly she took the time to teach and share with them some of life's more important values. After working at Phoenix House, she worked at New Directions for Veterans in West Los Angeles. There she provided counseling and resources for veterans and their families, who were returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Lolita then pursued a graduate degree in Psychology. While attending graduate school she also did a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) traineeship at the Free Clinic of Simi Valley, where she started to provide MFT services, learned and shared knowledge that would allow her to follow her dream and desire to help others. She graduated from Phillips Graduate University in May 2018 with a master's degree in Psychology. After graduating, she received an associateship and began her journey at Sara Capella's counseling offices and at West L.A. Counseling services. She was very excited to start preparing for her state licensure. Her goal was to ultimately have her own private practice and make a difference in the lives of families and their children.
Lolita in partnership with her husband was an active member of her local church where they helped plant the vision for their church, served in many areas of church ministry and always had an open door to everyone by continually opening up their home. Her affections stretched to her care and example she set for her own nieces, guiding them on how young women stand humble but strong, and with dignity. Lolita was also a foster care mother, showing love and affections, for both the children under her care and the efforts to reunify their families. Welcoming all parties to become part of her extended family. Her kindness and empathy continuously drew many to her for comfort and guidance. Today she leaves so many with a beautiful example of how to share yourself with others and be a role model for an honorable and blessed life.
Lolita loved life, people and more importantly her family, those related by birth and those she incorporated through life. Her love for people extended far beyond where anyone could imagine. She touched the lives of many, by allowing them to touch her life. Her spirit and love will be greatly missed by her community, her friends, and her family. But we all know it will forever be present in each of us.
Mrs. Lolita Theresita Lacon Barajas died unexpectedly at Providence St. Joseph Hospital on December 20, 2018 in Burbank, California, at the age of 45.
Lolita Theresita Barajas is survived by her husband Mauricio Barajas, her mother Kathryn Lacon, brother Colin Lacon, sister Michaelle Frelix, nieces Kendra, Kadeija, and Kaleya Frelix, Her mother-in-law Gloria Barajas, in-laws Gloria and Elias Sandoval and her nephew Julian Sandoval. She also leaves several uncles and aunts who cherished her on both sides of the family, and an array of loving cousins. Additionally, she leaves behind a beautiful rainbow of friends who traveled her life journey with her and will miss her dearly. Lolita is preceded in death by her father Henson Lacon.
A funeral is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Friday January 4, 2019 at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, with a reception to follow. Pastor Kriss Brosset will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Lolita Theresita Barajas' life.
Flowers may be sent by Thursday January 3rd, 2019 to:
Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills
6300 Forest Lawn Drive
Los Angeles California 90068
Condolences may be sent to:
Kathryn Lacon and/or Mauricio Barajas
12637 Archwood Street
North Hollywood CA 91606