Sister Emilia Villarreal enters into eternal life

Sister J. Emilia Villarreal, OSU, died peacefully on Aug. 23 at Sunset Care Center in Union, Mo. Her life journey included that of a mother and a member of the Ursuline Sisters. Her ministry experiences included service in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

The daughter of Juan Asencion and Genevieve Silvas Villarreal, she was born on Dec. 31, 1938 in Fort Davis.  She is survived by her son, Henry (Sherri) Rios of Holly Lake Ranch, and her daughter, Deborah (James) Pendleton of Ft. Worth; grandchildren: Kaitland, Marisa, Tobey, Danita and William; her sisters Betty Rosas of Corpus Christi; Lilly Trevino of Gregory; and sisters-in law Lupita and Carmen. Her brothers Juan, Jr. and Benjamin preceded her in death.

Sister Emilia received her bachelor’s degree from Incarnate Word University in San Antonio, an associate’s degree from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, and clinical pastoral education training in San Antonio.  She professed her religious vows in 1995. Other ministry experiences included Laredo and Dallas, Texas; Springfield, Illinois; Caracas, Venezuela; Lima, Peru, and Billings, Montana.  She most enjoyed her work as a hospice chaplain with a specialty in working with AIDS patients.

Memorial Masses will be held:  Saturday, Sept. 3, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at St. Ursula's Hall - Ursuline Academy, 4900 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, Texas, and Saturday, September 17, at 10:30 a.m. in the Ursuline Academy Chapel, 341 S. Sappington Road in Kirkwood, Missouri.

Memorials may be made to the Ursuline Sisters Retirement Fund, 353 S. Sappington, Kirkwood, MO, 63122.