Sister Agnes C. Palacios

Sister Mary Joseph Palacios, OSC, given name Agnes Cecilia Ridders, age 90, entered heaven surrounded by her family, on January 22, 2012. She was carried in the arms of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph to her Savior Jesus Christ.

She was born on July 20, 1921, in Suver, Oregon, to John and Mable (Stuck) Ridders. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Sylvester and Melvin Ridders; one sister, Lorena Thompson; her husband Homer Palacios whom she married in 1942; two infants (Robert and Susan) and many members of her Poor Clare Community.

She is survived by three children whom she raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, as active members of Christ the King Catholic Church: Mary Jo (James) Castle of Corpus Christi, Rita Jean Palacios (Sister Regina Palacios, SSND) from Lima, Peru, and Robert Louis Palacios II, from Corpus Christi. She has three grandchildren: Jonelle Qualia (Steve), Michael Castle and Mark Castle (Lorie), and four great grandchildren: Jennifer Qualia, Rose Mary Qualia, Brandon Castle (Katherine), Ashton Avila (Anthony) and three great-great grandchildren: Deven Pierce, Zachary Pierce and Emma Leigh Bockholt.

In 1979 our mother followed her heart to Jesus and joined the Poor Clare Monastery in Corpus Christi, which was moved to Brenham, Texas, in 1984. Here she lived for 27 years in a life dedicated to prayer and service as a cook, bread maker, ceramic painter, artist and storywriter.

Her three children express gratitude to her abyss, Sister Angela Chandler, who guided her through many years of service to Christ. We appreciate all that you did for her and for her family over the years. Also to all her Brenham friends who loved her so much and whom during her last year at the Brenham Healthcare Center attended to her needs, took her to Mass and visited her frequently. To the caring staff of the Healthcare Center we express our appreciation for making her last year such a happy one as well as the Hospice Staff and her physician, Dr. Frank Leal. Special thanks to Gail and Ben Pinto, her dear friends who lovingly attended to her daily needs and opened your home to our family. Our mom was greatly blessed by your love.

A Rosary will be recited tonight, Monday, January 23, 2012 at 6 PM by Deacon Bill Januszewski with visitation to follow.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM, Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father David Ivy as Celebrant.

Interment will follow in Pax Christi Cemetery.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX. 979.836.3611. To send condolences go to www.brenhan-memorial-chapel.com