VICTORIA — With grace and deep devotion, Sister Serena Etzler, age 86, passed into eternal rest on June 22, 2025. Born in Hallettsville, Texas, she was the youngest child of Theodore and Agnes (Christ) Etzler and the cherished sister to five siblings.
Answering the call to religious life, Sister Serena entered Nazareth Convent in Victoria, becoming a Postulant in 1957 and professing her first vows on August 6, 1959. She earned her BA in education with a minor in history from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio and was certified in physical education—a testament to her love of learning and service.
Her decades-long ministry blossomed through gentle labor, teaching, and faith-filled creativity. From her early days working in the convent laundry to 16 years at St. Ludmila Academy in Shiner, and 25 years shaping young minds at Nazareth Academy in Victoria, she touched countless lives. Later, she served at the Convent Gift Shop, offering handmade rosaries, baby blankets, bracelets, and other crafts that reflected her prayerful spirit and hands of grace.
Always generous with her time, Sister Serena found joy in the simple pleasures—cards, dominoes, and gathering with her Sisters for community. Even in her later years, her spirit remained vibrant; just days before her passing, she joined her beloved community for a movie afternoon.
Preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and several dear nieces, she is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Hilbert and Joline Etzler, as well as a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her faithful presence and kind heart.
A Rosary and Visitation will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., followed by a Wake and Sharing of Memories at 6:30 p.m., both at Incarnate Word Convent in Victoria. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with Bishop Brendan Cahill presiding and Reverend Albert Yankey serving as Master of Ceremonies. She will be laid to rest at Catholic Cemetery #3.
Pallbearers include Benedict Dworsky, Eugene Dworsky, Dennis Dworsky, William Etzler, Kevin Dworsky, and Kevin Patek.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Incarnate Word Convent of Victoria, Hospice of South Texas, or a charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com