Sr. Barbara Mulvehill, DC Funeral Mass was held Dec. 18 in the Maryvale Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Rosemead for Daughter of Charity Sister Barbara Mulvehill, 70, who died on Dec. 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, while preparing roses for the Maryvale Chapel. Born in St. Louis, she began her postulancy there at Marillac Provincial House. Primarily an educator who specialized in science, social studies and religion, she taught mostly 7th and 8th grades and was a dedicated teacher at Our Lady of Talpa School in Los Angeles and at many other Catholic schools. She received a Master of Arts in Education from the University of San Francisco in 1985. Sister Mulvehill was missioned locally to Maryvale in 1991, where she endeared herself to the young girl residents. In one particularly moving tribute at her funeral, a teenager said: “Sister helped practice reading for Mass, and when I was having a hard time, she said ‘Remember, I love you.’ In my whole life, no one said they loved me.” Though Sister Mulvehill had a long history of kidney disease, transplants and eventually had to be on dialysis three times a week, she was always happy and never complained, according to her fellow religious. Her sister, Daughter of Charity Sister Linda Mulvehill, who is missioned at St. Vincent’s in Santa Barbara, commented: “All I can truly say is Barbara was an inspiration to me throughout her life. I always looked up to her for my model as a true Daughter of Charity with the virtues of humility, simplicity and charity.” Burial was at Resurrection Cemetery in Montebello. Sr. Margaret Flaherty, CSC Funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 15 in Indiana for Holy Cross Sister Margaret Flaherty, 87, who died Jan. 9. Born in Blackfoot, Idaho, she entered the Sisters of the Holy Cross and ministered as a junior and senior high school teacher in California, Nevada, Washington and Utah. Locally, she taught at St. Barnabas School, Long Beach (1949-55); St. Agnes School, L.A. (1955-60); and Pius X High School, Downey (1964-69). Sister Flaherty retired in 2002, moving to Saint Mary’s in Notre Dame, Indiana, where she was active in the ministry of prayer until her death. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Ministry with the Poor, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, IN 46556 or at www.cscsisters.org. Roque Celaya Funeral services will be held in Mexico for Roque Celaya, 69, who died Jan. 12 in Mexico of a heart attack. Celaya was married to Archbishop José Gomez’ sister, Maricarmen, for 45 years. Survivors include his wife, their four children, 12 grandchildren and extended members of the Celaya and Gomez families. Ruben Balagtas, Sr. Funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 12 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Angeles for Ruben Balagtas, 80, who died Jan. 5 at his home in Baldwin Park surrounded by family members. Father Rodel Balagtas, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, is among Ruben’s eight surviving children. Burial was at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Rowland Heights.