November 10, 1929 – December 26, 2024
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Dolores Cecile Schembri, who died on Thursday, December 26 at St. John of God Care Center in Los Angeles.
Sister Dolores Cecile was born in San Francisco on November 10, 1929. During the Great Depression, her family moved to Palo Alto, where they all worked a small farm, including the children. Music became an integral part of the children’s education. Dolores loved it and most enjoyed competing with her older sister. Following her high school graduation, she received a full scholarship to the Julliard School of Music, which she turned down to enter the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1952.
Sister Dolores Cecile’s ministry revolved around music, as a piano instructor at all grade levels including 27 years at Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles and as a music minister for 14 years in San Diego. She always felt comfortable teaching and making music with others. She learned much through this ministry. She found it to “bring beauty and harmony to the world; it touches others’ souls and fulfills my own.”
Sister Dolores was a quiet person, who understated her accomplishments and her impact on our community. She and her beautiful spirit will be missed. May she rest in peace.