Aug. 1, 1927 – Mar. 30, 2017
On Thursday, March 30th as the afternoon drew to a close, Dora Schilhab slipped away to join her beloved Oscar in the eternal presence of the Lord. Affectionately known as “MeMaw”, Dora gave the greatest gift possible to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren – the gift of unconditional love. She cherished every second with her family and friends.
Dora lived on her own terms and, until only recently, made regular outings to visit and make mischief with her wide circle of life-long friends. Never short on opinions, Dora had a quick wit and an endearing sense of humor. Her penchant for easy conversation laced with Dora-isms made her a source of entertainment, particularly for the newcomers who married into the family and found a matriarch with a keen sense of self-awareness and a tender heart.
The daughter of the late A.P. and Ann (Halepaska) Hagel, Dora was raised in Victoria County with her siblings Marcella Norris (Harold) and Grace Hybner (Phil), both siblings deceased, Robert Hagel (Ann) and Patricia Foreman. The Hagel’s were farmers and operated one of the last dairies in Victoria County. This work-oriented childhood became the source of many of the typical hand-me-down stories that started out with “well before we went to school each day we had to milk 5 cows by hand...” Needless to say, a strong work ethic was ingrained in Dora, passed along to subsequent generations and worn as a badge of honor.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Oscar Rudolph Schilhab, and by her son, Stephen Oscar Schilhab.
Dora is survived by her children: Gail Bragg (Dwayne) – their children Kimberly Tomasek (Darryl) and Merritt (Charity); Gene (Judy) – their son Morgan (Rachel); John (Cheryl) – their children Sarah Wilburn (Marcus) and Rachel Pearson (Tim); Gerald (Cathy) – their children Lindsey Marcum (Kevin), Ashley Morrison (Trey), Matthew Siler and Morgan Siler; Thomas (Liz) - their children Ryan (Chloe), Erin Schilhab, and Conner. Dora is also survived by grandson Kyle – child of her deceased son Stephen.
All told Dora loved 6 children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Holiday celebrations created a full house – over which she happily presided and held court. She was creative and had many talents: sewing quilting, cooking and gardening. Each Christmas we all looked forward to her hand stitched gifts…heirloom Christmas ornaments, quilted placemats and table runners, embroidered kitchen towels and beautiful quilts to treasure forever. Her homemade enchiladas, Thanksgiving cornbread dressing, German kolaches, pickles and fig preserves were all family favorites.
Rest in peace, MeMaw. We will forever cherish your memory, your legacy and your love. You taught us about friendship and loyalty. You were our compass and our example. Your clear blue eyes let us know exactly how you felt and never concealed the love. You were a rare treasure, and you will be missed.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at the Rosewood Funeral Chapel located at 3304 Mockingbird Lane in Victoria, followed by rosary at 7 p.m.
A Memorial Mass officiated by Father Dominic Antwi will be held in Dora’s honor on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church located at 402 S. Main, Victoria, TX. Dora will be laid to rest beside Oscar at the Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum.
The family suggests memorials to Hospice of South Texas (605 E. Locust Ave, Victoria, TX 77901) or St. Mary’s Altar Society (402 S. Main, Victoria, TX 77901).
Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
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