Helen Banaga

Helen Bañaga, a long-time resident of Simi Valley, became an angel in heaven Thursday, March 19, 2015. Helen was born on January 2, 1926 in Modesto , CA to Simon and Felipa. She was married to Manuel “Tito” Bañaga, Jr. for 59 years before his passing in 2008. Helen’s big heart and love for all was shared with family and friends. She was tough and known for always giving her best for what she believed in, no matter what the situation. Always willing to make you feel at home, she was a blessing to those who knew her and will be greatly missed. As a mother and grandmother, her main concerns were that everyone was taken care of. Her pastimes were sewing, writing letters, gardening, taking pictures of family/friends and cooking. Everyone put in their orders for Gorditas, which was her specialty. At Christmas time, Tamales, rice and beans were made so that everyone that stopped by left with a full stomach. During the day, you could likely drive by her house and see her outside watering because she put the amount of love she had for individuals into her garden as well. She loved tagging along to shop with anyone and probably put in a request to stop at an additional store that was on the way. She loved giving and receiving greeting cards, writing notes and sending the pictures she took. Last, but certainly not least, she loved watching her telenovelas and sharing the drama filled stories. She is survived by her three sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Dennis and wife Linda and their children Eric (wife Jamielee, son Brayden, daughter Kaylee) and Jaclyn; Richard and Rose and their daughter Lisa; Randy and Debra and their sons Randy, Jr. (daughter Kayla) and Rudy (son Rudy, Jr.); her grandchildren, Michael and Andrea Robertson (daughter Gabriela, son James); David Robertson and Jenny Ortiz (daughters Leilani and Scarlet, son Anthony); and her granddaughter Christy (son Jaylen and daughter Isabella). Sisters Maryann Reyes and Carmen Aguilar continue to share her memories. Deceased family members were her Brothers Sammie and Johnny, sister Esther and daughters Elizabeth, Sandra and son Todd whom she cherished dearly. Services as follows: Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, March 26, 2015 from 6-9pm. The Rosary will begin at 7pm located at the Perez Family Funeral Home Chapel, 1347 Del Norte Road, Camarillo, CA 93010. Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 27, 2015 at 11am at St. Rose of Lima Church, 1305 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley, CA 93065. Burial will follow after Mass at Assumption Cemetery, 1380 Fitzgerald Road, Simi Valley, CA 93065. Reception to follow at Strathearn Park, 137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley, CA 93065. Located behind the Target Store on Tierra Rejada Road.