Rachel Perry Caggiano

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loved one, Rachel Perry Caggiano on February 10, 2026. Rachel was 91 years young, and passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. Rachel was a lifelong resident of Visalia, and a graduate of Mt Whitney High School, class of 1952. She graduated from The Franklin College of Nursing in San Francisco in 1957, and began working at Kaweah Delta Hospital in Visalia that same year. She was promoted to Hospital Night Supervisor shortly thereafter and remained in that position for twenty years. Rachel returned to school to earn her Bachelors Degree at the University of Dominguez Hills in 1988. She accepted the position of Patient Care Manager (Two North) in 1977 in order to spend more time with her children. Rachel was awarded Patient Care Manager of the Year in 1986, and her unit earned the internal recognition award for "Best Run Floor" five years in a row. Rachel's career in Nursing at Kaweah Delta Hospital spanned forty two years of service. She rose in the ranks to occupy the role of teacher, mentor and friend to patients and staff alike. Rachel retired from professional nursing in 1999, but kept her license and continued to volunteer for many years with local blood banks. She was always ready with nursing advice and care for any friend that needed it. Rachel loved her children and her country. She enjoyed antiques and collectibles, the LA Rams, vacationing in Hawaii, gardening and hosting parties. Her annual Christmas parties were legendary! She was a founding member of the Santa Fe Sea Hags, and also a founding member of the "Blue Chippers" ladies investment club. Rachel was magnanimous and helped family, friends and strangers in so many incalculable ways throughout her life. Rachel is preceded in death by her husband, Gino Caggiano, parents Edith and Neil Perry, her sisters Patricia Perry Webb, and Joan Perry Thomsen. She is survived by her children, Gino David Caggiano and Carla Jean Caggiano (Brian McNutt) of Visalia, Nieces and Nephews: Richard Webb, Perri Thomsen Martin, Stacy Thomsen Miller, and Pamela Thompson Webb. Rachel will be truly missed for her wonderful sense of humor, her quick wit, intelligence and incredibly big heart. Visitation at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, March 5 at 4:00 p.m., with a rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m. Mass will be held for Rachel at St. Mary's Church on Friday March 6 at 9:30 a.m. A Graveside service will follow at Visalia Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. The family will host a celebration of life starting at 12:30 p.m. at Bello Vita. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Rachel's name made to the Three Rivers Historical Society and Museum, or the Happy Trails Riding Academy of Tulare are sincerely appreciated. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Rachel Perry Caggiano

January 24, 1935 - February 10, 2026