Paula Vargas Cariaga, 97 years old and a lifelong resident of Salinas in Monterey County passed away peacefully in her home of 60 plus years with her family by her side.  Born in Merced California, she made her way from Brawley, California to Monterey County with her husband who she met while working at the Cota’s Restaurant.  As her family grew, they moved to Salinas, California where she remained until November of 2025.

Paula began working and maintaining the household until 1973.  She stopped working in order to provide care for her first grandson, Jeremy Cariaga.  From that point on, she took care of all of her grandchildren.  She told us all that she could not help us out financially, but she would take care of our kids as long as she could.  

Paula was an excellent cook and always had fresh tortillas and beans daily. Even the neighborhood kids would smell the fresh beans and tortillas and would come over to get a burrito.  She was an avid gardner who could resurrect any flower we would bring her.  Some of her favorite flowers were peruvian lillies that she had growing right outside the front door, on the side of the house and in the back yard. She was always creating vases with the lilies and delivering them to all of us kids, whether we wanted them or not.  She was also exceptional in crocheting blankets, beanies, scarfs or pillow shams.  

Paula is survived by her children, Pollyann Rodrigues, Emelda (Ernesto) Lopez, Andy (Maria) Cariaga, David (Cindy) Cariaga, daughter-in-law Jackie Cariaga Morelli, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, brothers Manuel (Jessie) Vargas, Juan and Robert Vargas, sisters Grace Perez, Trina Hernandez, Esther (Agustin) Herrera, Maryellen Vargas and Jane Romero.

Paula was preceded in death by her husband Manuel C. Cariaga Sr., her  parents, Juan and Julia Vargas, her son Manuel V. Cariaga Jr., her brothers Jesus, Joe, and Jimmy Vargas, and son-in-law Richard (Dick) Rodrigues.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to her caregivers Angie Murillo, who was very dedicated and her longest caregiver, Elia Diaz and Maria Nava.  A special thanks to Tiffany from Hospice and to the VNA Staff for their kindness and excellent care they provided.