Reynalda Angeles (Calderon) Arriaga
Obituary
Reynalda Calderon Angeles Arriaga went to be with our Lord, Jesus Christ on August 29, 2025. She was born March 17, 1932, in Artesia, New Mexico and lived to be 93 years old.
Reynalda grew up in Mesilla Park and Artesia, New Mexico. For much of her childhood, she was raised as an orphan at Good Shepherd Convent and Orphanage, along with 3 other siblings after their parents passed away.
She was raised by nuns who taught the children to sew, crochet, embroider, and make cologne from flowers as well as many other skills.
After getting married she moved to Watsonville, CA where she raised her 8 children. She enjoyed sewing for her children and making costumes for her grandchildren.
She fondly recalled our old neighborhoods of Elm Street and Prospect Street, where she made many lifetime friends.
Along with raising her children she sometimes worked in the cannery or field and was proud of the work she did as a community advocate.
In her retirement years, Reynalda enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, music, dancing and going to Bingo. She was an avid reader. She always took her privilege to vote seriously, making sure her children took her to the polling places.
Reynalda was a woman of great faith and courage. She raised her children and in return her children were happy to take care of her.
Reynalda was preceded in death by her parents, Petra Velasquez Calderon and Faustino Calderon. She was the last surviving of her siblings, which included: Andres Calderon, Felipa C. Acosta, Santos Calderon, Antonia Calderon, Manuela C. Zamudio, Pilar C. Florez, Faustino Calderon, Genoveva C. Herrera, Dominga C. Villa, and Fidela C. Cordova.
She is survived by the love of her life, her husband, Jose Ambriz Arriaga, as well as her children: Richard T. Angeles (Hilda), Sylvia P. Angeles-Blair (Marty), Christina Angeles Gonzales (Richard), Victoria Villegas Sanchez (Jorge), Maria Elisa (Lisa) Villegas Huerta (Steve), Jose Luis Chacon (Maria), Dianna Arriaga Gallegos (Tony Martinez), Angelica Arriaga Espino (Ray). She also leaves behind 30 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.
She will be forever missed and cherished by all who knew and loved her.
Until we meet again, rest in paradise, Mom.
Visitation and Rosary will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 5 - 9pm, Rosary 7pm at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel. Mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 22, 2025 at 10am at Valley Catholic Church.. A final blessing will follow at Pajaro Valley Memorial Chapel.
Published in The Pajaronian · September 17, 2025