Sister Anastasia Thibodeaux, C.V.I., dies at age 99

Sister Anastasia Thibodeaux, C.V.I., died on June 2, 2016 at 99. She was born Nov. 11, 1916, in Cecilia, La., as the sixth of nine siblings, one boy and eight girls.

She grew up in Port Arthur, where she received her elementary education, and on June 5, 1932, at the age of 15, she entered the Congregation of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament in Houston. She made her final Profession of Vows on May 26, 1938. In 1937, she was joined in the convent by her younger sister, Sister Doloretta.

She received her high school education at Incarnate Word Academy in Houston, her bachelor’s in music from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, and her master’s from Notre Dame University in Notre Dame, Indiana.

Sister Anastasia ministered as a teacher in many schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston where she was considered a favorite among the students.

After the Diocese of Beaumont was formed, she was invited to serve as the first associate of the Confraternity of Catholic Doctrine (religious education) Office in 1967 and was named the director in 1970. She was the first religious woman to hold this diocesan position in Texas. In 1972, she was the only woman religious on the newly formed Diocesan Pastoral Council. She also chaired the television Talk Show for Catechetical Formation.

When she returned to Houston, she served as the Vicar for Religious for the Diocese of Galveston-Houston.

She served her religious order as a member of the Leadership Team, Director of Formation and Director of the Lay Associates of the Incarnate Word. After retiring, Sister Anastasia continued to provide private spiritual direction, retreat direction and volunteered in the Diocesan Aids Ministry.

Sister Anastasia was preceded in death by her parents, George and Theresa Thibodeaux, one brother and seven sisters. She is survived by her nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

The visitation is June 6 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Incarnate Word Convent, 3400 Bradford Place, Houston. The wake service will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be June 7 at 10 a.m. at the convent. St. Louis, Winnie, pastor Father Stephen McCrate will be the celebrant. The Rite of Committal will follow in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. Sister Anastasia’s nephews will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, at the request of Sister Anastasia, donations can be made to Incarnate Word Academy, 609 Crawford Street, Houston, TX 77002.