Benedictine Sister Raphael (Cecilia) Baker died July 25 at St. Benedict Monastery in Bristow.
Sister Raphael was born Feb. 25, 1934, in Lucinda, Pa., as the fifth of eight children to LeRoy and Mary (Richards) Baker. She attended grade school and one year of high school in Lucinda until she entered St. Joseph Monastery in St. Marys, Pa., in 1949. In 1952, she graduated Central Catholic High School in St. Marys, and earned a master’s in business administration (1965) and theology (1983). She made her perpetual profession in 1955.
Sister Raphael served as a teacher, hospital administrator, coordinator for religious programs, on the Erie Diocesan Marriage Tribunal and prioress of her community from (1995-2003). In 2014, Sister Raphael transferred to St. Benedict Monastery in Bristow.
She was deeply committed to Benedictine life. She enjoyed using her artistic ability in house decorations and sewing. Tending outdoor flower gardens around the monastery was another highlight of her creativity.
She is survived by the members of her monastic community; a brother, Robert and wife Martha of Chicago; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Mary, and her siblings Henry Baker, Mary Agnes Baer (Baker), Margaret Pavlov (Baker), William Baker, Isabelle Splingaire (Baker) and Jane Baker.
A vigil service will take place at St. Benedict Monastery Aug. 8, 6:30 p.m., and a Mass of Resurrection Aug. 9, 11 a.m., with burial following at the monastery cemetery.
