Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington

From the

Official News Magazine of the Diocese of Spokane

(From the Jan. 17, 2008 edition of the Inland Register)

Sister Raphele Balduc of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia died Dec. 25 in St. Ann Convent in Tacoma. She was 96 years of age and had been a professed member of her Religious community for 78 years.

The vigil was prayed Dec. 28, and the funeral Mass celebrated the next morning, both at St. Ann Convent, Tacoma. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery.

She was born in Wallace, Idaho. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Holy Name College, Spokane, and a master’s degree in Education from Gonzaga University, Spokane.

She ministered primarily in elementary education, including teaching in the Spokane Diocese at Mt. St. Joseph Academy in Tekoa (1939-1940) and St. Charles School in Spokane (1951-1957).

Sister Raphele served in parish ministry after she retired from teaching, and 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.

Donations in her name can be made to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.