Maria Candelaria Paniagua

Maria Candelaria Alvarez Carbajal Paniagua “Mary Paniagua”, gained her wings and passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loving family on September 21st, 2024 at the age of 70. Mary was born on January 26th, 1954, in New Braunfels, Texas. She graduated from New Braunfels High School. Mary will always be remembered for her caring heart and beautiful smile.

She married the love of her life Pablo Paniagua on January 10th, 1978. Mary raised, loved, and cared for six children along with numerous grandchildren over the course of her life. She was involved in multiple organizations in New Braunfels including NB Little League, NB Soccer Association, Greater NB Arts Council, Circle Arts Theatre, CIMA Scholarship Program, LULAC, HBA, CISD School Districts, and the Laguna Zamora Scholarship Fund. Mary worked with the Historic Outdoor Art Museum Organization and Dr. Wayne Rahe to get the first Hispanic mural created in New Braunfels. She had a drive for education and equal opportunities for all. Although she was involved with many organizations, the one she was most proud of was her ballet folklorico group, Compania de Danza Folklorica founded in 1981. She was one of the founding members who would eventually become the director of the group. Mary was the face of ballet folklorico for the New Braunfels community. With her guidance and persistence the dance group had the opportunity to perform all around New Braunfels and the surrounding areas making them the only ballet folklorico group still in existence in the New Braunfels Community. Under her direction, Compania de Danza Folklorica performed for various parties, weddings, events and organizations including Holy Family Catholic Church, St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Comal Independent School District, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, NBISD, Dia de Los Muertos, NB Kidsfest, Folkfest, Fiestas Partias, and various nursing homes throughout the area including Eden Hill and Gruene Senior Living. She volunteered countless hours into her dance group and never made it a business, but an opportunity for youth to engage in the Hispanic culture, regardless of their finances. She provided costumes, shoes, and even built a room in her home for her dancers to practice. Her impact on the dancers and the Hispanic community will live on in the hearts and minds of all her dancers and countless others she has helped over the years.

Aside from her many community involvements she was a wonderful cook, and her specialty was her tamales. She donated hundreds of dozens to the community in the efforts to provide funding for various groups and organizations. Mary had an incredible ability to make everyone feel special and valued. She is a true legend of New Braunfels, and will forever live in our hearts and memories.

Mary Paniagua was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Tules Carbajal; sisters, Guadalupe Carbajal, Leticia Benitez, Alicia Bayona and nephew Juan Rodriguez III.

Survivors include her husband Pablo Paniagua; children, Fidel Rodriguez, and spouse Tracy; Paul Paniagua and spouse Jessica; Manuel Paniagua and spouse Angie; Eva Valdez and spouse Elias, Brian Paniagua, and Mary Campbell and spouse Colin; grandchildren, Bryana and Ethan Rodriguez; Malachi, Calim, and Allison Paniagua; Elena Valdez; Lexie Paniagua; Isabella and Jack Campbell; brother Manual Carbajal Jr; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members, and many friends.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 30th, 2024 at 5:00 PM with rosary at 7:00 PM at Zoeller’s Funeral Home. Holy rosary will be led by Eva Sanchez accompanied by singer and guitarist Pedro Aleman. A mass of the Catholic burial will be held Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ro Castillo, Colin Campbell, John Robert Rodriguez, Malachi Paniagua, Calim Paniagua, and Ethan Rodriguez. A reception will be held at the VFW Post 7110, 600 Peace Avenue in New Braunfels. To leave a message please visit www.dignitymemorial.com and select obituaries. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to support her beloved ballet folklorico group Compania de Danza Folklorica via Venmo or by mail @compania_de_danza-folkloricaNB; 2126 Alton Loop, New Braunfels, TX 78130.