Our Ministries
07 Aug

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Sarah Celis Hildebrand

February 17, 1940-July 25, 2022

Sarah Celis Hildebrand was born on February 17, 1940 and entered into Eternal Life on July 25, 2022. For 82 years, Sarah’s story was a testament to the Glory of Love by receiving and sharing the Glory of God, just as Jesus Christ did. Her life manifested God’s presence in all she did. Sarah was a Godly woman, faithful, generous, spontaneous, funny, kind, and considerate. She was a loving wife, caring mother, encouraging grandmother, affirming aunt, supportive sister, kind friend, and was loved by all who were blessed to know her.

Sarah was married to Jesse Hildebrand, “my honey” for 63 years. They met at a dance in the mid-50s. Sarah often recalled, “Jesse wouldn’t leave my side after our first dance – he didn’t want anyone else to dance with me.” Their love grew strong and on May 3, 1959, they received the Sacrament of Marriage at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas.

They had four daughters, Cynthia Lorraine, Monica Lynn, Donna Yvette, and Marcella Lizette. Sarah was ever passionate about Jesus and the Blessed Mother Mary and raised her daughters with a strong foundation in their Catholic faith. Faith was important as was family. She often encouraged her daughters to pray, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus” for all their needs, confident that He would help and answer their prayers. Sarah would write notes in her books, devotionals, and calendars proclaiming the Glory of God’s Love stating, “Thank you Jesus for loving us ‘so, so much’ that you gave your life for us! Never leave my/our side. We love you so much.” ~ Sarah Celis.

Sarah was fearless to share with anyone the love and mercy of Jesus. It was not uncommon for her to start a conversation with a stranger telling them how much God loved them. It was amazing to see how people received Him who she proclaimed with an openness of heart and mind. Her boldness to share God’s love was an inspiration to her family and friends.

Sarah was a stay-at-home mom for much of her daughters’ young lives. When employed, she worked at Kelly Air Force Base, Audie Murphy VA Hospital, as a substitute teacher at St. Luke Catholic School, Shaklee sales representative, volunteer at fundraisers and events, and constant supporter of her family and friends.

Sarah (“Mimi”) is survived by her loving husband, Jesse, Cynthia Lorraine (deceased), Monica Lynn Hildebrand, Donna Yvette Dilley (John), and Marcella Lizette Weisbruch (deceased), Doug Weisbruch, grandchildren David Douglas (Katie) Weisbruch, Sophia Joy Weisbruch, Francesca Hope Weisbruch, Faith Danielle Weisbruch, Dominique Grace Weisbruch, Patrick Joseph Weisbruch, Sarah Nicole Dilley, John Michael Dilley, Cameron Edrick (Abbey) Dilley, Trevor Wade Dilley, and great-grandsons Jack Douglas Weisbruch and Collin Patrick Dilley.

Sarah was the third oldest daughter of Jose Ignacio Celis and Ruby Davila. Her siblings are Grace Dominquez, Irma Rivera (deceased), Joe Celis, Jr., Larry Celis (deceased), Ted Celis (deceased), Yvonne Celis (deceased), Shirley Jackson, and Johnny Celis.  She is survived by many nieces and nephews of the Hildebrand, Rivera, Dominquez, Jackson, and Celis families, and cousins of the Rubio, Mochen, and Davila families, and steadfast friends from throughout her life.

Sarah is remembered fondly by her family and friends for her constant words of affirmation saying, “You are so pretty…You are so smart…I am so proud of you…Jesus loves you.”

Sarah loved dancing with Jesse, sitting outside, enjoying the beauty of flowers, watching birds, learning new things, eating hamburgers and ice cream (anything sweet!), and could tell you facts about animals that were astounding. She loved to take rides in the car and throughout her life she traveled with her beloved Jesse in their RV from coast-to-coast across the United States to see God’s creation.

In her final days on Earth, Sarah shared with her daughter Monica about seeing her loved ones in Heaven and being told by them, “We’ve been waiting for you. We love you. We are glad you will be here.” She told her daughter Monica that her dad, Papa Daddy, said to her, “I am waiting for you” and “He loves me.” She reflected that Heaven’s sky was pink, the clouds colored yellow and pink, and “I am going to have a party. Not too big. Just cake and strawberry ice cream.”  Sarah said, “I’m going to talk to a lot of people. I’m going to be praying for everyone.”

This is Sarah’s Story and Glory of Love. To be continued in Heaven…

The Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at St. Matthew Catholic Church on August 2, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Cordi-Marian Sisters, 11624 Culebra #501, San Antonio, TX 78253 Attn: Sr. Celina Martin in Honor of Sarah Celis Hildebrand or https://www.cordi-marian.org.

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