89R21588 HMR-D
By: Louderback H.R. No. 690
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The passing of Sister Emilie Eilers on March 20,
2025, at the age of 90, concluded a remarkable life of religious
service; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Grafe Eilers,
Emilie Eilers was born in Hallettsville on July 2, 1934, and she
grew up as the eldest of her nine siblings, Betty Jean, Shirley,
Joseph, Paul, Timothy, Thomas, Michael, Mary, and Cynthia; she
attended Sacred Heart Catholic School before going on to graduate
from Nazareth Academy, and she entered the postulancy of the
Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament at Nazareth
Convent on December 2, 1951; her training as a novice began on June
2, 1952, and she pronounced her first vows a year later; and
WHEREAS, Sister Emilie earned a bachelor's degree in biology
from Incarnate Word College and a master's degree in educational
administration from Southwest Texas State University; over the
course of her seven decades as a professed member of her
congregation, she taught students at Holy Cross Catholic School in
Bay City, Assumption School in Ganado, and St. Leo the Great
Catholic School in San Antonio; in addition, she provided skillful
guidance as principal of St. Joseph High School in Victoria, as
well as St. Michael's Catholic School in Cuero and Our Lady of
Victory Catholic School in Victoria, both of which she also served
as a teacher; and
WHEREAS, A member of her congregation's leadership team for
nearly two decades, Sister Emilie was instrumental to such
initiatives as setting up the convent's outdoor stations of the
cross and rosary path; after taking a one-year sabbatical to
Berakah in New Hampshire, she also earned her certification in
spiritual direction and began her service as the congregation's
ongoing formation director; moreover, she assisted in organizing
the board of the Amor Meus Spirituality Center, which she served for
a time as president; and
WHEREAS, In her leisure hours, Sister Emilie delighted in
praying, traveling, fishing, boating, gardening, and cooking; she
greeted everyone with a radiant smile, and she enjoyed many happy
moments in the company of her sisters, family, and friends; and
WHEREAS, Sister Emilie Eilers led a life of caring devotion
to her faith, her congregation, and her community, and although she
is deeply missed, her spirit will forever live in the hearts of all
who were privileged to know her; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Sister Emilie
Eilers and extend sincere condolences to the members of her family:
to her siblings, Joseph Eilers and his wife, Barbara, Paul Eilers
and his wife, Kathy, Timothy Eilers and his wife, Lori, Thomas
Eilers and his wife, Cindy, Michael Eilers and his wife, Judy, Mary
Lindig and her husband, Johnny, and Cynthia Weaver; and to her other
relatives, friends, and fellow sisters; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Sister
Emilie Eilers.