Carmel Ocampo Paijita

With the passing of Carmel “PJ” Pajita last winter, the world lost a sister, aunt, friend, educator, community leader and so much more, and now, certain phrases will never be heard the same again: “Eyes, with pride.” This phrase championed by Ms. PJ has been emphatically recited by each of the hundreds of students that she mentored over a 35+ year career as an educator and band director. Highlighted by her time as the Director of the Vallejo High School band, Ms. PJ dedicated her life to the arts, those she taught and the city that raised her, leaving an influence of leadership, teamwork and passion for music with each student that walked through her classroom. “Hey, [insert the name of the pitcher opposing the Oakland A’s], you suck!” Heard by any opposing pitcher brave enough to take the mound when aunt Mellie was in attendance at the Oakland Coliseum, Mellie was passionate in her fandom of Bay Area sports (especially the Oakland A’s) and used sports as a way to spread love and connect with those closest to her. Mellie generously brought many people to games with her over the years (even Giants fans), each leaving with a closer bond to Mellie and the surrounding community irrespective of whose team won the game. “Wooooohhooooooo!!” This phrase was usually accompanied by both of Mel’s arms straight up in the air while partaking in any of her favorite rides at Disneyland. Mel LOVED Disneyland, and maybe the only thing she loved more than Disneyland itself was experiencing Disneyland with those closest to her. Those lucky enough to attend a trip to Disneyland with Mel got a rare glimpse of the pure unadulterated joy that Mel worked so hard to share with those she loved. Those are just a few of the many phrases (not all safe for work) that Carmel graced us with. We invite you to recall these phrases (and others) and honor the memory of Carmel with us during the celebration of Carmel “PJ” Pajita’s life on August 20, beginning with a funeral mass at 10:00am at St. Basil’s Church in Vallejo (1200 Tuolomne Street), after which she will be laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery (550 Glen Cove Road). Carmel is survived by her sisters (Portia, Helen and Dominique), a niece and nephews that adored her, and countless students and colleagues who shared in her passion of education and music.

Carmel Ocampo Paijita

January 18, 1960 - December 13, 2020