Sister Emilie Eilers, 90, died on March 20, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Grafe Eilers. She was born in Hallettsville on July 2, 1934 and was the eldest of 10 children being blessed with four sisters and five brothers. She completed grade school and one year high school at Sacred Heart School, Hallettsville, and then graduated High School from Nazareth Academy. She entered the postulancy of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament at Nazareth Convent on December 2, 1951, became a novice on June 2, 1952, and pronounced first vows on June 3, 1953. Sister Emilie received a BA degree with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio and an MA in educational administration from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. During her 72 years as a professed member of the Congregation she taught at Holy Cross School, Bay City; Assumption School, Ganado; Our Lady of Victory School, Victoria; St. Leo School, San Antonio; and St. Michael School, Cuero. She served as principal at St. Michael School, Cuero, and Our Lady of Victory School and St. Joseph High School in Victoria. Sister Emilie was a member of the Congregational Leadership Team for 18 years.
After a year’s sabbatical at Berakah in New Hampshire in 2002, Sr. Emilie received certification in spiritual direction and served as on-going formation director for the Sisters. She also ministered in the Incarnate Word Convent Health Care as director of spiritual and recreational activities and as a dietary consultant. For a time she served as president of the Board of the Amor Meus Spirituality Center which she helped to organize. She was instrumental is setting up the Incarnate Word Convent Outdoor Stations of the Cross and Rosary Path with the physical and financial assistance of benefactors. Throughout her life Sister Emilie enjoyed praying, traveling, fishing, boating, gardening, cooking, and socializing. In recent years Sister Emilie resided at Incarnate Word Convent Health Care enjoying time in prayer in the health care chapel or in company with others. She wore her biggest beautiful smile whenever she was visiting with the sisters, her family, and friends.
Sister Emilie was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Betty Jean Eilers and Shirley Jennings; and her brother-in-law Ronnie Weaver. She is survived by her brothers Joseph "Buddy" (Barbara), Paul (Kathy), Timothy (Lori), Thomas (Cindy), and Michael (Judy), and her sisters Mary Lindig (Johnny), and Cynthia Weaver, and brother-in-law Warren Jennings and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends.
Rosary and Visitation will be held at Incarnate Word Convent (1101 N.E. Water Street, Victoria, TX, 77901) on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. and a Wake Service with Evening Praise and Sharing of Memories at 6:30 p.m. On Friday, March 28, 2025 a Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Incarnate Word Convent with Bishop Brendan Cahill as Presider, Sister Emilie’s nephew Reverend Brian Eilers as homilist, and the Sister’s Chaplain Reverend Albert Yankey as Master of Ceremonies. Burial will follow at Catholic Cemetery #3.
Memorials may be made to Incarnate Word Convent, Victoria, Hospice of South TX, St. Joseph High School, Our Lady of Victory School, or donor’s choice. Share memories and condolence with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com
