Sister Celia Hernandez Martel

1934 - 2021

Sister Celia Hernandez Martel

Corpus Christi - Sister Celia Hernandez Martel was born in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico on May 18, 1934, daughter of Felipe Hernandez and Rosa Martel (both deceased). She is survived by three living siblings: Ernesto, Enrique and Rosa Maria and several nephews and nieces living in Mexico and the United States.

Sister Celia entered the Missionary Sisters of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in 1962, and professed vows in 1964. Her passion was cooking and baking. As a consecrated religious, she served at the Corpus Christi Minor Seminary preparing meals for seminarians and priests from 1964 - 1982. Many of the seminarians she served are now priests. Some commented that she had been a "second mother to them" as she called them all "mi hijito" (my son). She was always concerned if they had enough to eat because "they were growing boys". Transferred to El Paso, she continued "feeding the hungry" serving meals to the children of St. Joseph of the Valley Preschool Day Care. In 2000, she returned to Corpus Christi as the cook for the children and staff at The Ark Assessment Center & Emergency Shelter for Youth.

Her joys were the smiles and hugs of the children. "They give me life," she would often say. When she could no longer manage the kitchen at the Ark, she would go as a volunteer to help feed children. Sister touched many lives through her simplicity and love for others.

Sister Celia went home to God peacefully on Monday, January 18, 2021.

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, services will be private. Please pray for her soul and for all who love her and will miss her.

Arrangements Entrusted To:

Ramon Funeral Home, Inc.

800 Lincoln Ave.

Robstown, Texas 78380

(361) 387-4051