Helen Valdez Paniagua, 65, of Bay City passed away Monday, December 26, 2011. She was born July 23, 1946 in Bay City to the late John Joe & Julia Rodriguez Valdez. Helen was a life long resident of Bay City, and a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

She is survived by her husband: Erasto Paniagua Sr. of Bay City; daughter: America Garay & husband Antonio Rodriguez; 4 sons: Paul Garay Jr. & wife Felecia, Baltimore Garay & wife Holli, John Joe Garay & wife JoAnn, and Erasto Paniagua Jr. & wife Jennifer; 2 sisters: Angie Lopez and Mary Guajardo; 3 brothers: Jesse, Lorenzo, and John Joe "Kenny" Valdez; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her parents and daughter: Pamela Paniagua.

A rosary will be recited 7:30 PM Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Mass will be held 10:00 AM Friday, December 30, 2011 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Father Gerry Cernoch officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers will be: Paul Garay Jr., John Joe Garay, Baltimore Garay, Erasto Paniagua Jr., Antonio Rodriguez, and Jonathan Jimenez.