Sister Mary Raphael Balduc

Obituary Sister Mary Raphael Balduc OSF 1911-2007 Obituary On Christmas day, Sister Raphael joined with the angels in heaven to bring good tidings of great joy for all people. She died peacefully at St. Ann Convent surrounded by her Franciscan sisters. She was ninety-six years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for seventy-eight years. Sister Raphael (Louise Teresa Balduc) was born in Wallace, Idaho. Sister Raphael earned a B.A. in Education from Holy Name College and an M.A. in Education from Gonzaga University, both in Spokane, Washington. She ministered primarily in elementary education and after her retirement served in parish ministry. She was recognized by the Archdiocese of Portland for her work in education and by the Bess Kaiser Hospital in Portland for her service to the sick. Sister Raphael ministered in the Archdiocese of Portland for forty-eight years. She taught at St. Patrick School (1929-1938); St. James School, McMinnville (1957-1960); and Blessed Sacrament School.(1942-1951, 1960-1962, 1963-1969 [principal]). She returned to Blessed Sacrament Parish in 1979 and worked with the sick, the homebound, and senior citizens until 1998. Sister Raphael ministered in the Diocese of Baker for twelve years, teaching at St. Joseph Academy, Pendleton (1938-1939, 1962-1963) and Sacred Heart Academy, Klamath Falls (1969-1979). Sister Raphael ministered in the Diocese of Spokane for seven years and taught at Mt. St. Joseph Academy in Tekoa (1939-1940) and St. Charles School in Spokane (1951-1957). Sister Raphael's eleven years of ministry in the Archdiocese of Seattle included teaching at St. Leo School in Tacoma (1940-1942). In 1998 she moved to St. Ann Convent where she served first as a volunteer (1998-2002) and then in prayer ministry (2002-2007). Sister loved music and celebrations. Her long life offered many opportunities to celebrate. Special celebrations included her 25th, 50th, 70th, and 75th Jubilee. She enjoyed every birthday and was very proud to be in her 90's. All services will be held in St. Ann Convent, 6602 S. Alaska Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 A.M. on Saturday, December 29. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. A memorial service will be held in Portland at a later date. Sister Raphael is survived by two cousins and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.