December 7, 2021
Sister Celeste Odorizzi, ASC, died peacefully at the Ruma Center at 8:50 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.
Born on November 10, 1925, in Taylor Springs, IL, and baptized Hilda, she and her brother Bruno were the only children of Enrico and Teresa (Busetti) Odorizzi. Sister Celeste made her first profession on July 1, 1942, and her final vows on July 1, 1947. She was 96 years old and had been professed for 79 years.
She held teaching certificates in Missouri and Illinois, qualifying her to teach both elementary and secondary students in the fields of History and Music.
Sister Celeste’s high school ministry included St. Teresa Academy in East St. Louis, IL, Precious Blood High School in Ruma, IL, and St. Pius X High School in Festus, MO. She taught history as well as music, conducted the school band and orchestra, and served as organist where she was needed. The majority of her teaching years were spent at the high school level.
One of Sr. Celeste’s greatest delights was playing the trumpet. In a talk she gave to a Creative Arts Festival, she acknowledged that “my trumpet and I have been special friends for about 50 years.”
Sister Celeste is survived by her brother Bruno, extended family and members of the ASC community. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Vigil service and sharing of memories will be on Monday, Dec. 13 at 9:00 a.m. The Eucharist of Resurrection will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by burial in the Ruma Convent cemetery.
Adorers of the Blood of Christ, U.S Region
Donations in memory of Sr. Celeste may be sent to the Adorers at 4233 Sulphur Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63109, or made online at www.adorers.org