Anna Marie Hermeler was born in Hoerstel bei Rheine in Westfalen, Germany, on July 24, 1900, the third child in a family of one boy, who died at seven months, and 6 girls born to Bernard and Josephine (Achtermann) Hermeler. Anna attended the village school and graduated from 8th grade at age 14. She told her parents that after graduation she wished to pursue a course in sewing, but her father was ill and told her that she would have to work in order to help her mother. Her father died in 1914 and Anna began working for a wealthy family in a village near her home. When the war broke out it was difficult to obtain male help, thus strenuous labor was demanded of her. Fearing for the health of her daughter, her mother asked her to return home. After two years Anna again went to work for a wealthy family; this time her sister Agnes (later our Sr. M. Notburga) went with her.

In 1922 when our Sr. M. Bemard Willman went to Germany to recruit young women for our convent in America, Agnes, (Sr. M. Notburga) wanted to go with her but Mrs. Hermeler was very opposed. Seeing Agnes' bitter tears of disappointment Anna sought to distract her by taking her to a carnival. This was a real sacrifice since attendance at a carnival was not appropriate for those in the upper class with whom the girls identified by working closely with wealthy families. Love for her sister outweighed her self-respect in this decision. When Mrs. Hermeler finally consented to let Agnes go to America, Anna lovingly helped her sister prepare for the long journey. Two years later when Sister M. Bemard returned to Germany, Anna and her sister Josephine (Sister M.Aurea) were among the 12 young women she brought back to America.

Anna entered on October 21, 1923, began her novitiate August 30, 1924 and professed first vows on February 13, 1926, receiving the name of Sr. M. Emanuela. February 14, 1931 was the date of Perpetual vows. After her first Profession she was sent to work in the printery where she learned every phase of the work, printing, cutting, stitching, etc. She had a special aptitude for this work and remained there for six years. Then she was sent to assist Sr. M. Bonaventure in the Infirmary. She adapted herself equally as well to this new task. When someone was needed to take over the garden at Clyde, Sr. M. Emanuela was chosen for this work which she did for four years. In August 1938 she was transferred to Mundelein to assist Sr. M. Laurentia Huppe with the outdoor work and the canning. 

In April 1947 she was transferred back to Clyde to take charge of the canning, a responsibility that she carried out very efficiently and generously for many years. In January 1954 she was assigned to San Diego, and in December 1955 she moved to our Kansas City monastery where she took over the garden and canning work to replace Sr. M. Hildegard Eichenhofer who had become ill. Her next assignment was back to Mundelein in December 1960 to assist with the maintenance , garden and canning work. In March 1970 she moved back to Kansas City where she worked in the Altar Bread Dept. Sr. M. Emanuela had a loving and compassionate heart that touched many of the Sisters with personal care and concern through the years. Her sensitivity to the pain and struggles of others, especially younger members who were working with and learning from her, had long lasting effects in the hearts and lives of many of her sisters.

In May 1984 Sister moved into St. Benedict Health Care community in St. Louis where she had the joy of sharing life with her sister, Sister M. Aurea, spending much time visiting and praying together. Through the years she kept her playfulness and humor. 

On Friday, April 12, 1996 she ate her lunch as usual and was peacefully settled in her mid-afternoon nap. Around 3:45 PM our dear Sister very quietly and secretly entered into eternal life with the Risen Christ...whose name she bears...whose triumph she now shares. Sister M. Emanuela, a woman of deep faith, genuinely bore the name of Emanuel. Those of us who had the privilege of living and working with her will cherish many experiences of "God with us" during those times. She was indeed a loved and loving member of our Congregation.