Sister M. Odette J. Dalfo (formerly: Sister Assumpta Regina) died in Camilla Hall on July 16, 2023. Sister recently celebrated her Seventieth Year of Profession of Vows at the tender age of ninety-three.
Sister Odette’s parents John, who was born in Italy, and her Mom, Cora (Ramon) Dalfo, who was born in France, raised their family of six in St. Benedict Parish in Philadelphia.
Odette attended St. Athanasius grade school (1936-1944) and Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls (1944-1948). While in Community, Odette earned an A.B. degree from Immaculata College in French and an M.A. degree in French from Millersville University.
Odette entered the Congregation on February 2, 1951; she received her habit and her religious name, Sister Assumpta Regina, on August 16, 1951. When our Sisters had the opportunity to do so, Sister chose to return to the use of her baptismal name, Odette. On August 15, 1953, Sister Odette pronounced her First Vows.
Beginning in the fall of 1953 through the school year ending in 2010 Sister Odette diligently served in the ministry of educating students. During the first nine years of teaching, Sister taught elementary grade children: St. Joan of Arc (grade 1) and Immaculata Conception (grades 6 then 8).
In the fall of 1962 through the school year ending 2001, Sister taught high school students at Marian Catholic, Shanahan, Immaculata Somerville, Lancaster Catholic, and Bishop Kenrick. Sister next served as a Library Assistant at Bishop Kenrick High School from 2001 through 2010.
In August 2010, Sister Odette volunteered her service to Camilla Hall; her generous spirit and willingness to serve remained intact until her health began to let her down in February 2023. At this point, Sister became the recipient of generous Sisters and staff members who rendered loving service to her. Sister Odette died peacefully on July 16, 2023.
Sister M. Odette J. Dalfo, IHM is survived by her IHM Community, her nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Sister is predeceased by her parents Louis Dalfo and Cora (Ramon) Dalfo, her sister, Sister M. Solange Dalfo, IHM, her brothers Louis (Rosemarie), Robert Dalfo, Edward Dalfo, Thomas Dalfo (Louise) and Guy Dalfo.
Reverend Michael Callaghan, CM, celebrated Sister M. Odette’s Funeral Mass on Saturday, July 22, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
Camilla Hall Nursing Home
IHM Mission Advancement Office
230 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355