Carmelita Pagtama Racuya

Carmelita Pagtama Racuya, 64, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on December 17, 2018. She was born in the Philippines on September 18, 1954. She immigrated to the United States in 1980 to join her husband Ely, who came to the US in 1971 to pursue a better life for his family. Carmelita was known by her family and friends for her cooking skills and traditional Filipino dishes. She always had a meal prepared if anyone came to the house to visit. Additionally, if she had an unexpected guest, she would go out of her way to make something for him/her to eat. Her cooking was loved by so many that special requests were made from others for their own personal gatherings. Some of her signature dishes were lumpia, pancit, and cassava cake. Carmelita was such a caring and giving person. She never hesitated to open up her home to family. After establishing her own life, she continuously aided in immigrating many members of her family from the Philippines to the United States. She made many sacrifices to ensure that her family was well taken care of. Carmelita is survived by her husband, Ely; her children, Oliver, Davie, and Ronald; and her grandchildren, Aryanna, Kaylani, Landon, and Ava. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018 1-9pm with a Rosary vigil at 6pm, all at Healey Mortuary 405 N. Sanborn Rd Salinas, CA 93905. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, Dec. 28, 2018 10am at Madonna del Sasso Church 320 E. Laurel Dr. Salinas, CA 93906. Burial to follow services at the Garden of Memories Cemetery 850 Abbott St. Salinas, CA 93901.