Senecia Cariaga Pelayo

Born on June 1, 1938, in Bantay, Philippines, Senecia was the daughter of Sixto and Bernarda Cariaga. From a young age, Senecia learned the value of hard work, helping care for the family farm and bringing vegetables like squash, eggplant, and tomatoes to market. Those early days helped shape the strong and hardworking woman so many came to know and love.

After making Maui home, Senecia built a life centered on family, faith, and community. Senecia worked at Monsanto Farm, Maui Farms Cooperative, and Maui Marriott until retiring in 2011. Even after retirement, Senecia stayed active, often going to the swap meet to sell vegetables and homemade desserts, always ready to share something good.

Family meant everything to Senecia. Being present, caring for loved ones, and staying connected brought her the greatest joy. As a grandmother, Senecia helped raise and care for many of her grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished forever. The kitchen was always full of life, where miki, vegetable lumpia, patupat, and bibingka were made with love—often followed by calls to family to “come pick up food.” Caring for orchids and plants brought Senecia peace and quiet happiness.

Senecia is preceded in death by her husband, Augustine Patao Pelayo, and siblings Eugenio Cariaga, Alberto Cariaga, and Concepcion Cariaga.

Senecia is lovingly remembered by her children: Florante (Maryann) Pelayo, Esmeralda Pelayo, Irene (Floro) Della, Rey (Violy) Pelayo, Gina (Craig) Takushi, Marvie (Erwin) Alibin, Marilou Pelayo, and Demi (Julius) Clark; and siblings Maria Carmelo, Santiago Cariaga, and Arnolfo Cariaga.

Senecia’s love continues through her grandchildren: Kenneth (Lj) Pelayo, Roxanne (Ryan) Bradley, Chris (Joyce) Della, Michelle (Qieed) Ishmael, Denise (Jason) Sabas, Jhon (Alyssa) Pelayo, Krystal Pelayo, Brandon Takushi, Kody Takushi, Tianna Takushi, Leanne Alibin, Wayne Alibin, Aidan Alibin, Raven Yamamoto, and David Clark; and 12 great-grandchildren: Gabrielle Della, Ezekiel Della, Samuel Della, Raiden Bradley, Rhianne Bradley, Reuben Bradley, Kaleb Ishmael, Isaiah Ishmael, Kobe Ishmael, Eliana Sabas, Colton Sabas, and Noelle Moniz.

Services will be held at Norman’s Mortuary in Wailuku on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Services will continue Friday, May 1, 2026 at Saint Anthony Church in Wailuku from 9:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., with burial to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Valley Isle Memorial Park in Haiku.

The Pelayo and Della families extend heartfelt mahalo to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who cared for Senecia, and to all family and friends for the love, prayers, and support during this time. Special thanks to Maui Memorial Medical Center and staff, Hale Makua and staff, Norman’s Mortuary, The Wonderful Savior Christian Ministries International Inc. Maui, Hawaii, and Kings Cathedral & Chapel.

Senecia will always be remembered for a loving heart, strong spirit, generous nature, and deep love for family. The memories, lessons, and love Senecia shared will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.