Maliah Mae Helms, age 10, of Green Bay, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. She was born on March 4, 2015, in Green Bay to Brad and Kari (Lambert) Helms.

Maliah had a big personality and was always unapologetically herself. She loved all things girly—doing her hair, makeup, and nails—even if she didn't always enjoy wearing girly clothes. She was a walking contradiction in the most beautiful way: strong and soft, bold and tender, silly and wise.

She was the funniest person we knew, with a sense of humor that adored funny videos (especially the ones where people got "slightly hurt"), goofy sounds, and most of all, her big brothers and her "CC."

Her smile was contagious and could light up any room, and her honesty—sometimes brutally so—was part of her charm and what made her unforgettable. Maliah was smart, had a strong spirit, beautiful with a kind heart. She had an incredible memory and had no fear.

School wasn't really her thing unless we're talking about recess, friends, or anything social. She loved attending Bay Harbor mostly for the relationships she formed there, especially Mrs. Possley and her team. Her teachers and classmates adored her, thriving in the joy of connection. She had a special way of making everyone feel like they were her favorite.

Maliah was the best travel buddy you could ask for, whether it was a couple-hour drive up north, to Milwaukee, or Madison. She never complained while driving to New York or Indiana for Rex's baseball or an 8-hour road trip to Rex's wrestling tournaments, or family adventures as far as Florida. She always loved to be along for the ride by being a part of the adventure. Airplane rides were a no-brainer for her: Florida a couple times and to her Make-A-Wish (Hawaii). She flew better than her siblings, being able to curl up.

To her mom, she was "my favorite deputy" and her best "forever baby." Maliah gave the tightest wraparound hugs in the world—the kind I could feel in my soul. So perfect that Mom carried her everywhere. At bedtime, she would snuggle up with ice-cold feet; she'd slide her feet over and say, "Mom, my feet," just so she could have them held in warm hands. Her brother loved that she was always quick to let everyone know "I'm okay!" when anyone thought she may have gotten hurt. Those small moments meant the world. She got her amazing rhythm from her daddy and her CC, and it showed in how quickly she'd put on a dance. She loved music, games like Go Fish and Memory, and most of all, snuggling up to watch movies—especially when she wasn't feeling 100%. Her easygoing nature, combined with all her unique traits, made her who she was: a kindhearted, lovable baby girl. Maliah wasn't just my daughter; she was my heart, my light, my joy, and I will carry her with me for the rest of my life.

She adored her grandma; her phone was her favorite to steal, and she loved laughing at funny videos with Grandpa. One of her signature moves was her sassy finger—taught, of course, by her "special" Godfather. All those little quirks made her completely, wonderfully Maliah.

She was fiercely proud of her siblings. She loved watching CC dance, Rex play baseball, football, and wrestle, and Lennon dive into his endless list of hobbies. She admired them all and was their biggest cheerleader. But to us, she wasn't just a little sister or daughter—she was the center of our world.

Maliah's absolute favorite person was her daddy. Nothing beat his tickles, and she spoke of him often. None of us were ready for her to go, but we take comfort in knowing they are now together—free from pain and wrapped in love.

Maliah was the brightest light in all our lives and now the brightest star in the sky.

She is survived by her loving mother, Kari; her siblings, Lennon, Marley ("CC"), and Rex; maternal grandparents, Dick and Jill Lambert; aunts and uncles Wade (Kim) Lambert, Curt Lambert, Kellie (Dennis) Ruedinger, and Corey (Kristin) Helms; along with many cousins, extended family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Brad Helms, and paternal grandparents, Steve and Debbie Helms.

Friends and family will gather at West Side Moravian Church, 1707 S Oneida St, from 2PM to 6PM on Thursday, July 31; Service to follow at 6PM. Please dress casually, as it may get hot in church. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com

The family wishes to thank the many programs Maliah participated in over the years. The staff at Bay Harbor Elementary for their constant support, her lifelong cardiologist, Dr. Saudek, and to Dr. Elkadri for noticing when something wasn't right. Thank you to the compassionate cardiac intensive care team at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin—for your kindness, your tireless efforts, and for trying to understand our beautifully complex girl. The Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee for giving us a place to stay and to not have to worry about what we were going to eat.
Maliah Mae, you made a lasting impact on every single person lucky enough to know you. You have been through so much in your short life, and most of us would have done anything to take away your pain. Now you are pain-free, and we will all take a little bit of it for you. You fought a good fight without complaining and staying strong. We will stay strong in your honor. We love you, baby girl.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Maliah's name.

Please bring a memory to share on paper so we can fill a book with all the memories of Maliah.
Also, there will be a time for people to talk about Maliah during the service if anyone would like.