Sister Emily Woods Weir, a member of the Community of the Holy Spirit, died March 29 at Nazareth House in San Diego. She would have been 98 years old on April 7. Sister Emily was born and raised in Portland and was a devoted Oregonian who cherished her Scottish heritage. Throughout her adult life in educational ministry, she was a librarian and high school teacher. She taught at Immaculata-Marycrest High School in Portland, at Marian High School in Chula Vista and in special religious education programs at St. Rose of Lima Parish. Impelled by her strong commitment to people who were disadvantaged by lack of opportunities and a strong desire to share literature and Latin with all, Sister Emily spent her retirement years as a volunteer teacher of challenged youth and at the Reading Room for the homeless in downtown Portland. After returning to San Diego, she introduced book discussion circles at Rachel’s Women’s Center. She was truly a “lover of books,” and a sidewalk plaque with that inscription can be seen at the San Diego Central Library. A Mass and celebration of life will be held at Nazareth House in June. The members of the Community of the Holy Spirit would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff of Nazareth House for their loving care of Sister Emily during her past seven years as a resident there.
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