Dominican Sister of Peace Cecilia Ann Stremel, OP, (81), a native of Hayes, KS, died on February 26, 2025, at the Great Bend Motherhouse.
Cecilia was born to Sophie Herman and Simplicius Stremel in 1943. She entered the congregation in 1959, made first profession in 1962 and made her final vows in 1968. Cecilia lovingly lived her vows for more than sixty years.
Sr. Celie earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Newman University in Wichita, KS. She then spent over twenty years teaching primary grades throughout the state. One of the most transformative experiences of her life came in the summer of 1968 when she traveled to Selma, AL. For four weeks, she ministered to students of color at Saint Elizabeth School. Reflecting on that time, Celie shared, "The racial discrimination I saw made a deep impression on this farm girl from the heart of Kansas." The injustices she witnessed left a lasting mark, shaping her understanding of inequality and deepening her commitment to her students. This experience gave her a heightened awareness of her students’ diverse needs — a sensitivity she carried into every classroom she entered.
After taking a sabbatical, Sr. Cecilia embraced new roles, serving as a volunteer musician at St. Rose School and working as a reflexologist at the Heartland Center for Wholistic Health.
At the funeral, Sr. Renee Dreiling reflected on Sister Cecilia Ann, affectionately known as Celie, saying, "Celie was a breath of fresh air, radiating love, joy, and peace wherever she went. Her more than twenty years of teaching primary grades provided countless opportunities to share her boundless joy, unconditional love, and the gift of laughter and song. I also experienced Celie’s playful spirit while living with her—she delighted in little jokes at my expense. During a difficult time in my life, her teasing and loving nature lifted my burden, bringing lightness and comfort when I needed it most."
Sister Cecilia was preceded in death by her parents Sim and Sophie Stremel; brother, Jim Stremel; sisters, Bernadette Dome and Edna Temaat; nephew, Gregory Temaat; and niece, Brenda Dome-Luff and is survived by numerous family members, cousins and friends.
A Wake Service was held on Saturday, March 8, 2025. The Mass of Christian Burial took place on the same day at the Convent, followed by burial in the Sisters’ Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorial gifts in Sister Cecilia’s memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219.
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