Agatha, the 17th and last child of the Eichenhofer family, (see Sr. M. Hildegard, Feb. 14) was born on Sept. 30, 1898. When, at the outbreak of World War I in 1914, six of the boys were called into the service, much of the farm work devolved on the three girls and one boy still at home. Though very young and not too robust, Agatha carried a work load far beyond what might be expected of one her age in ordinary times. The war also impoverished the family considerably, nevertheless, Agatha was always cheerful and loved to make pilgrimages to Our Lady's Shrine at Einsiedeln. When this was no longer possible because of the war, she made shorter pilgrimages elsewhere.
Finally, in 1923, Agatha and Stephanie (the sister next to her) were able to realize their long-cherished desire to follow their five Sisters who had gone to America to become Sisters of Perpetual Adoration at Clyde. With their brother Severin, who was to serve the community for many years as a farm laborer, they arrived at Clyde Oct. 21, 1923. A joyous welcome was extended to them by their sisters - Srs. M. Hildegard, Walburga, Wunnibalda and Willibalda, and Novice Leona. Two other brothers, Thomas and Hugo, who had entered Conception Abbey some years previously, later became priests of the Society of the Precious Blood.
The two postulants entered the Novitiate on Aug.30, 1924, made their first profession on Feb. 13, 1926, as Srs. M. Sabina and Eusebia, and were perpetually professed on Feb. 14, 1931. But soon after this Sr. M. Sabina was sent to the Mundelein priory, and they were to be separated for many years.
Sr. M. Eusebia learned the craft of shoe repairing and did this work in an almost professional way until Apr. 1936, when she was sent to Tucson. With the exception of six months, she remained there until June, 1964. She was a dependable and competent seamstress, and helped the struggling community to earn its livelihood by making First Communion veils for sale. During the date season she took an active part in processing and packing dates.
In 1964 Sister was found to have lung cancer and returned to Clyde with the expectation of only a short time to live. However, God willed that she should enrich the community with her presence for another ten years. In 1971 Sr. M. Leona prevailed upon Sr. M. Eusebia to accompany her on a home visit to Germany.
As the years passed, Sister had many sick spells and in April 1973 was so ill that death seemed near. But she rallied and was able to go to Tucson for Sr.M. Leona's Golden Jubilee in May, 1974, and spent two weeks with her.
After returning to Clyde Sister seemed fairly well. The evening of July 17 she spoke to a Sister about death. About 2:30 a.m. she had a choking spell, which nothing could relieve. About 4:20 she breathed her last. It was July 18, 1974, the first anniversary of Sr. M. Sabina's death. Sister had reached the age of 75 years and 10 months. Her funeral rites were pervaded with the spirit of joy, as was her life, and she was laid to rest in Mt. Calvary cemetery near her five Sisters who had preceded her in death.