SR. Dina Fernandes

Sr. Dina Fernandes, 81, member of the Sisters of Charity of Saints Bartolomea and Vincenza known as Sisters of the Infant Mary, has taken her flight to heaven on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021 surrounded by her sisters and friends at Capitanio Convent in Gonzales, Calif.

Sr. Dina was born on July 8, 1940 in Mangalore, India. She made her first profession in 1965 in India and final profession in 1970 at the Shrine of Oblates of St. Joseph in Santa Cruz. She was a missionary in California for 56 years. She taught at Holy Family School in Citrus Heights, and has ministered in the diocese of Monterey serving children, youth and families at Madonna Del Sasso, Salinas; St. Mary's, Salinas; Davenport; St. John's, King City; Holy Trinity, Greenfield, Our Lady of Solitude, Soledad, and St. Theodore's, Gonzales as the Director of the Catechetical Ministry. After retiring, she continued her service to Bible study, and accompanied the Friends of the Redeemer, the lay Associates of Sisters of Infant Mary.

She is survived by her sister, Alice Mathias; numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews who loved her very much and kept in touch with her all through her life, especially during these last days. We were truly blessed to have her in our midst, as an excellent educator who trained leaders in various ministries. We will miss our beloved sister and friend, her joyful, playful, and firm presence.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. followed by Rosary at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 at St. Theodore's Church on 116 South Belden St. in Gonzales. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 at St. Theodore's Church, followed by burial at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "Sisters of Charity of the Infant Mary" P.O. Box 178, Gonzales, CA 93926.

Arrangements by Alta Vista Mortuary, 41 East Alisal Street, (831) 424-9700. Online condolences: www.altavistamortuary.com.

Published in Salinas Valley Tribune · December 15, 2021