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Lucile Engstrom Chirico

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University of California Los Angeles

Lucile Chirico Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 10, 2025.

Indio - Lucile Engstrom Chirico, formerly Lucile Dodson, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, at the age of 84. Known affectionately as "Sweet Lu," Lucile will be deeply missed by her family.

She was a proud graduate of UCLA, where she was an active member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and a Bruin Belle. She dedicated over 30 years to elementary education in the San Fernando Valley (Calahan and Morningside Elementary Schools).

She was a lifetime member of her church, anchored by her faith in Jesus. When younger, she served as an Honored Queen of Job's Daughters, and her later dedication to service included membership in the National Charity League.

She married Harry C. Dodson in 1962. They had three children-Robert, Barbara, and Glen-during their 19 years of marriage. She later married Joseph G. Chirico in 1987, sharing 30 wonderful years until his death in 2017. Upon retirement in Indio, CA, Lu and Joe were incredibly active in the Heritage Palms Golf community, serving as President of the Nifty Niners and performing with the Chippendolls Dance Group. She delighted in reading to her grandchildren. She was creative and so much fun to laugh with.

Lu is survived by her three children: Robert & Tracy Dodson (Wildomar, CA), Barbara & Ben Lampman (Omaha, NE), and Glen Dodson & Kari Pryor (Reno, NV); nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Linda Engstrom. Lu was preceded in death by her beloved brother, William J. Engstrom (Billy Jim).

Family and friends are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life to honor Lucile's memory on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This will be a joyful remembrance of "Sweet Lu." Please email [email protected] for event details.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Juana

November 12, 2025

My beautiful sweet Lu is now in Heaven .Being her caregiver for the past 6 years was one of the best time of my life. I got to experience the sweet person Lu was always so sweet,caring and loving . All our dinner nights ,movie nights , nail appointments and road trips filled with lots of fun . Doing your make up and hair , it´s something that I will for ever cherish .