Adeline Ostermann
Adeline Ostermann, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, at the age of 96.
A woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to family, Adeline's life was defined by love, resilience, and service to others. She was the devoted wife of the late Albert Ostermann and the extraordinary mother of sixteen children, whose lives she shaped through her example of faith, perseverance, kindness, and sacrifice.
Born and raised in Windthorst, Texas, Adeline attended Incarnate Word College in San Antonio at the age of 17. A chance meeting with Albert on a bus ride home for Christmas began a lifelong love story that would span decades and generations. At just 20 years old, she married Albert Ostermann, and shortly thereafter his military service took them to Arkansas, where she welcomed her first child and began building the family that would become her life's greatest vocation. Though she had little experience with cooking, sewing, and household management, she eagerly learned these skills through determination and hard work, ultimately becoming a gifted homemaker, seamstress, gardener, organizer, and problem-solver.
Adeline's Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. A longtime member of the Catholic Daughters, the Mothers Society, and the Altar Society, she was deeply committed to sharing her faith with others. Alongside Albert, she taught RCIA, marriage preparation, and baptism classes, confirmation and religious education classes, helping countless individuals and families grow in their faith and prepare for important milestones in their spiritual lives. She served as organist at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Windthorst, Texas, for over 20 years and also volunteered at the St. Mary’s Food Pantry and later at the St. Joseph Parish Clothing Center in Waxahachie. Her faith was not only something she professed—it was something she lived every day through prayer, service, generosity, and love.
She was known for her practical wisdom, determined spirit, quick wit, and remarkable ability to help family members navigate life's challenges. She found joy in gardening, crocheting, sewing, knitting, learning new things, family gatherings, and sharing stories from the past. Nothing made her happier than being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was determined to learn how to use a computer and smartphone and, in her own words, “spent too much time on Google and Amazon.”
Adeline was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert; her two daughters, Ann and Carol; and a son who died at birth. She is survived by thirteen children, thirty-two grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, and a large growing extended family who will forever cherish her love, guidance, and example.
Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the faith she shared, and the countless lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she is now reunited with Albert and at peace in the presence of God.
“May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society or Catholic Extension Society.
