Sister Elizabeth Gilbert, 1924-1998
Born October 31, 1924, East Monroe, Louisiana
Entered St. Scholastica Priory, October 19, 1947
First Profession August 17, 1949
Transfered vows to St. Walburg Monastery, July 11, 1991
Died May 29, 1998
Sr. Elizabeth was the oldest of eight children, four of whom died at birth. When she was a child, her family moved to a farm in Hamberg, Mississippi.
There were few Catholics in the area so they went to Natchez, Mississippi for Eucharist. Once a year the parish priest would come to their farm to celebrate Eucharist. Sr. Elizabeth attended rural schools until she begged her parents to be allowed to attend St. Scholastica Academy in Covington, Louisiana. She entered the St. Scholastic community in 1947.
Sr. Elizabeth served the Louisiana community in internal service, working in the infirmary, kitchen and laundry. All her life she was a hard worker, a habit developed from those early days on the Mississippi farm.
Sr. Elizabeth came to St. Walburg Monastery when St. Scholastica Priory dissolved. She was a great help as a peeler in the kitchen but soon her health prevented this. She loved people and visits. There was no one more faithful in offering prayers for feast days and other special occasions. She offer countless number of Our Father’s and Hail Mary’s in her spiritual bouquets. She promised them in her distinctive handwriting and it was necessary for her to sign her name. We always knew from whom it came. Sr. Elizabeth was a simple, humble and caring person.
On her last day Sr. Elizabeth had her hair trimmed, enjoyed the monthly feast day/birthday party and won quite a few games. Her death came as the community was gathered for Evening Prayer.