Patricia Ann (Carriaga) Perez

Patricia Ann Perez, born Patricia Ann Carriaga on August 19, 1937, in Salinas, California, passed away on March 10, 2026, at the age of 88 after a brief illness. The daughter of Raymond and Ella Carriaga, she lived her entire life in Salinas, where she attended Sacred Heart, Palma, and Salinas High School alongside her sister Elsie and brother Ray. From an early age she participated in Girl Scouts, taught sewing for 4-H, and later served as Volunteer Director for the Monterey County Special Olympics.

Deeply connected to her heritage, Patricia was a descendant of families from the Anza Expedition and those who worked in the New Almaden Quicksilver Mine. She found joy in cooking and baking for her family, playing video games, and cheering for the San Jose Sharks. A lifelong devout Catholic, she prayed the Rosary daily and cherished watching Mass on EWTN with the Franciscan Friars. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to own and operate two local businesses, Pat’s Petites in Salinas and Loard’s Ice Cream & Candy in Soledad. She also worked for Valley Center Bowl and as an Area Specialist for Target, instilling a strong work ethic in her children.

Above all, Patricia’s greatest love was her family. She is survived by her children Joaquin Perez Jr., Alexander (Kimberly) Carriaga, and Rose Carriaga; grandchildren Hector, Lisa, Jevon, Jered, Gia, Nicole, David, Nathan, and Isaiah; many great-grandchildren; and her dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Elsie, her brother Ray, her daughter Joanne, and her grandson Dakota.