Cecelia Marie Mandala, 95 of Darby, passed away January 16, 2025 peacefully in her home while surrounded by family members. Prior to her passing, Cecelia received all the sacraments and blessings of her Catholic faith. She was born September 11, 1929 in Culver City, California, the daughter of Francis and Margaret Hall.
Cecelia was married to her beloved husband, Victor, for 30 years, prior to his passing in 1980. Her life was centered around her Roman Catholic faith, her family, as well as her volunteerism. Cecelia was formally a docent at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, a volunteer in the Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano’s food pantry, as well as years of volunteerism at St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church.
One of the highlights of Cecelia’s life occurred on Tuesday, September 15, 1987. While attending the Papal Visit of St. John Paul II, his holiness stopped at her pew and placed his hands upon her head and bestowed upon Cecelia his apostolic blessing. She commented frequently on how her life was forever marked by his blessing. In honor of Cecelia’s devotion to St. John Paul II, her gravestone commemorates his final words before his death. “Let me go to the house of the Father.”
She is survived by her family, Craig Mandala (son) and his wife Marissa of Granbury, TX; Mark Mandala (son) and his wife Suzy of Arcadia, CA; Steve Mandala (son) and his wife Linda of Darby MT; Lynne Coppock (daughter) and her husband Chris of Darby MT; and Chris Mandala (son) of La Verne, CA. Cecelia is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Hamilton, MT. Father David Severson will officiate. A rosary will precede the Mass, commencing at 10:30 a.m. Committal (interment) will follow at Lone Pine Cemetery in Darby, MT where Cecelia will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Victor. A reception will be hosted at Steve and Linda Mandala’s home in Darby, MT after the burial. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com
A memorial Mass will also be scheduled in Southern California at a location and date to be determined.
The pallbearers will be her grandsons, Brad Mandala, Kevin Mandala, Geoff Mandala, Craig Coppock, Eric Coppock, Victor Mandala, Nick Mandala.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. 5thSt., Hamilton, MT 59840.