A funeral Mass for Sister Celeste Odorizzi was celebrated Dec. 13 at the Ruma Center in Ruma, Illinois. Sister Celeste died at the Ruma Center Dec. 7 at age 96.
Born in Taylor Springs, Illinois, and baptized Hilda, she made her first profession in the Adorers of the Blood of Christ in 1942 and her final vows in 1947. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in music education from Fontbonne College (now University) in 1954 and a master’s degree in education with a minor in music education from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana in 1960.
Sister Celeste’s high school ministry included teaching at St. Teresa Academy in East St. Louis, Illinois, Precious Blood High School in Ruma, Illinois, and St. Pius X High School in Festus. 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 Sister Celeste’s greatest delights was playing the trumpet. She acknowledged that “my trumpet and I have been special friends for about 50 years.”
Survivors include a brother, Bruno Odorizzi. Burial was in the Ruma Convent cemetery.
