Amy Maria Arriaga

While pursuing her life's passion, on Saturday, November 26, around noon, Amy Arriaga, aged 38 years, died while cave diving in Gran Cenote (Great Cave) in Tulum, Mexico. She was born on December 17, 1977 in Bakersfield, CA, the daughter of Tom and Mary Arriaga.

She passed from this world into the next where she was most certainly welcomed by the loving presence of her precious mother, grandfather, and both grandmothers.

Amy Arriaga taught in Wasco for 13 years. She taught both 5th and 6th grades, ELD, and for the last 3 years taught 7th grade science. She was an inspiration to her students.

Upon learning of her passing, her students remembered her with these words. "She had a full heart." “Another angel has risen to heaven.” “Miss Arriaga was a fun, loving, and energetic teacher who would have given up everything for her students." "She is forever in our hearts." "I was failing science, and Miss Arriaga was there to help me do extra work and make up my assignments so I could get a better grade." "It was too soon for her to leave us." "She was supposed to get married and have children. But she was married to teaching us and we were her children." "I could tell when I met her that she had a spark in her eye." "I feel like I’m in a dream because I can’t believe she’s gone.” “She came to the ATS room to show me how to finish my project.” “Just because she is not physically here, she is still in our hearts.” “She was the best teacher ever. She pushed me to do my best and she never gave up on me. She cared about everything I had to say.” “She was always smiling no matter what.” “Miss Arriaga is inspiring, thoughtful, funny and nice. She helped us with homework and taught us how to be adventurous and live exciting lives.” “We are sure you are still swimming with the fishes"

Her unconditional love for her family was undeniable. She stopped by her dad’s house every day to check on him because two years ago, on October 18, Amy’s angelic mother, Mary Arriaga, went to be with Jesus. Since her mother passed, she made sure her father, Tom Arriaga, felt loved and cared for. She was so proud of her dad, and she often bragged about him to all her friends.

Her beloved brother, TJ, stated, “She lived her life to the fullest, understanding that existing should be an adventure, and that the wonders of the world were worth experiencing. She suffered from that drive of exploration that inevitably brought us to the moon. Even though she was always cautious and careful in her journey through life; sometimes leaving our front door involves risks. She went far beyond her front door, tragically sometimes accidents happen. Her friends and family take comfort in knowing she left this world while experiencing it to the fullest. She was an independent, fearless, strong woman.”

Amy loved her 12 year old niece, Briony, as if she were her own child. They went on many adventures and spoke of many more they would encounter in the future.

To say that Amy lived life to her fullest is an understatement. She truly lived every moment as if it was her last moment. Amy has always been a light to the people around her. She lived by the saying that when the going gets tough, the tough get tougher.

She was very protective of all those she loved, and she loved many! Amy put her friends before everyone. Her friend, Codie Larsen, spoke of Amy as a security blanket. Codie said, “She would drop everything for her friends.” Amy insisted on attending every cancer appointment with Codie. Her friend, Amy Hulsey said, “Amy Arriaga was a lifelong friend, selfless, and always comforted everyone.” Her friends tell of many amazing times. They said the best part of your life will be those small, nameless moments you spent with someone who matters to you, and that’s how we feel about Amy. We called her our Earth angel, but now she is our guardian angel! When Amy left this world, she was the happiest she's ever been! God knew this was Amy's time. He placed everyone strategically in her life so she felt complete. It's amazing if you think about it. It makes us smile.

Her father wrote a poem for Amy that he had hoped to read at her wedding:

Daddy’s Little Girl

Daddy’s little girl you are

You’ll always be my little star

The prettiest little star with shine

I thank God he’s made you mine

I wish you wouldn’t grow so fast

You’ll soon be grown and gone at last

I’d like to keep you little for awhile

Especially with your little toothless smile

It’s not possible and can’t be done

And you wouldn’t think it be much fun

You want to grow and grow up fast

And it’ll come, and come at last

But right now your Daddy’s little dove

So full of laughter, so full of love

And I want you to remember my little star

Whether you’ll live close to me or move out far

Daddy’s little girl you are, you hear me

And Daddy’s little girl you’ll always be

Amy's life shone brightly, and that light will live on with all those whose lives she touched.

Arrangements under the direction of Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, Bakersfield, CA.