Sr. Mary Agatha Shimek

Sister M. Agatha Shimek, 93, of Victoria, died June 29, 2015. She was born September 21, 1921, in St. John, TX to the late Louis Shimek and Frances Kutac Shimek. She was a member of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament.

Sister Agatha completed grammar grades at St. John School and St. Rose School in Schulenburg. She attended St. Ludmila Academy in Shiner, and after graduation, entered the convent there on September 18, 1938 and received the habit June 4, 1930. Sister Agatha made her first vows on June 10, 1940 in Shiner and professed her final vows in Nazareth Convent July 28, 1943. She was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from Incarnate Word College with a major in English and a minor in Spanish and a master’s in education from Our Lady of the Lake University.

During her 75 years of religious profession, Sister Agatha taught at St. John School in San Marcos, St. Paul School in Sedan, St. Mary’s School in Nada, Guadalupe School in Victoria, St. Jerome School in Plum, Public School in Radhost, Holy Cross School in East Bernard, St. Ludmila Academy and St. Paul School in Shiner, Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio, Falls City Public School, Nazareth Academy and St. Joseph High School in Victoria, and Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville. In addition to serving as a full-time classroom teacher, Sister Agatha also served as librarian, principal, senior class sponsor and academic counselor. She always had time to assist those in need whether it was counseling or offering a helping hand.

Among her many hobbies, Sister Agatha enjoyed those of gardening, growing potted plants, cooking, crocheting and reading. After retiring to Incarnate Word Convent in 1997, she became the librarian for Annunciation Library and also assisted with tutoring. She entered into her Apostolate of Prayer and Suffering in 2007.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Wenceslaus, George, and Joseph; sisters, Judith Horelka and Dorothy Smith.

Survivors include her brothers, Roman and Milton; and sister, Martha Kocich; and nieces and nephews

On Thursday, July 2, Visitation and Scriptural Rosary will be at 3:00 p.m. followed by a Wake Service with Evening Praise and Sharing of Memories to be held at 6:30 p.m. at the convent. On Friday, July 3, a Funeral Mass will be held, 10:00 a.m. at the convent. Burial will follow at Catholic Cemetery No. 3.

Pallbearers will be Michael Shimek, Brian Shimek, Danny Kocich, Dennis Shimek, Mark Shimek, and Randy Shimek.

Memorials may be made to Incarnate Word Convent, Hospice of South Texas, or donor’s choice.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com