Rafaelita "Helen" Carriaga

Rafaelita “Helen” Carriaga danced her way to our Heavenly Father on Friday, January 3, 2020.

She was preceded in death by her husband SFC Pedro G. Carriaga, her parents Pedro and Manuelita Padilla, and her granddaughter Rafaelita Rush.

As the matriarch of the Carriaga family, she was a wonderfully devoted mother.

She is survived by her five children: Elaine Rey and her husband Fred, Major Robert Carriaga and his wife Wendy, Carol Carriaga, Diane Carriaga-Cuaron and her husband Chris, and Monica Carriaga. More than anything in the world, she loved her grandchildren: Michelle, Rafaelita, Michael, Robert Jr, Charlene, Helen, Ali, Christopher, Nicole, Pete, and Amanda.

Helen was a faithful follower of God and a member of St. Anne Catholic Church. Quite the beauty, she could often be found at the senior center with a big smile, while dancing up a storm.  She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and volunteering at the church. Her pride was “Helen’s Cake Walk” at St. Anne’s annual fiestas. Throughout her life, she made everyone she came into contact with feel like they were important to her because they were. She was committed to uplifting others and spreading the word of God to anyone who would listen.

As a family, we weep because of the loss of our beautiful angel, but we cherish the memories, love she left behind and our faith which tells us we will see her again.

Have fun dancing in Heaven, Mama!

Rafaelita’s Life Celebration will begin with a Visitation at 6:00 pm on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 7:00 pm at St. Annes Catholic Church located at 1400 Arenal Rd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm. The Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 9:00 am at St. Anne Catholic Church and burial to follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 11:15 a.m.