It is with great sadness that the Cariaga-Cortez family announce the passing of their dearly beloved daughter, sister, and aunt Maria Oleida Cariaga. As the Word says, “absent from the body is to be present with Christ in the spirit.” She is joining her father Rafael Cariaga Sr., her mother Olivia Cortez Cariaga, her brother Israel Cariaga and her sister, Carmen Cariaga Cavazos Garcia. She was born on July 18, 1937. She was the fourth child in a family of six children. She is survived by her sister Zoila Trevino, her brother Rafael Cariaga Jr (Hazel), and her sister Hilda Garcia (Abelardo). She has 20 nieces and nephews and many grand and great grand nieces and nephews whom all loved her dearly. Oleida worked as a caregiver for many years before starting her employment in the San Benito CISD. She worked in the cafeteria for many years bringing joy to the children and staff members with her baking. Her fondest memory was the pleasure that her cinnamon rolls would bring as the aroma coming out of the kitchen would bring staff members rushing to get fresh cinnamon rolls. When talking about her time in the kitchen, the brightest smile would cover her face reminding her of how important her job was and the joy that she brought to her school community. Oleida will be missed, not only because she was a sister and aunt, but because she was a friend to her community. When she was able, she would walk to the nursing home down the street and visit the patients living there. If anyone really knew her, they knew she loved sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with all whom she could reach. She is now rejoicing with the angels as she finally meets the true love of her life, Christ Jesus. For those of us who believe, we know that she is home and happy. She awaits until the day that those of us in Christ will join her and the members of the Cariaga-Cortez family that have gone before us. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas. A Chapel Service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home with interment to follow to Mont Meta Memorial Park. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Oleida Cariaga at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.