ALTON — Sister M. Henrietta Eixler, of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, died on June 17, at St. Francis Convent. She was 86.

She was born Jan. 27, 1930 in Meppen, Germany to Heinrich and Anna (Huer) Eixler and baptized Agnes.

Sister M. Henrietta entered the congregation on Sept. 14, 1954 and started her novitiate on March 19, 1955, in the motherhouse. She was transferred to the United States as a second-year novice, and there completed her novitiate, making her first profession on March 19, 1957. She consecrated herself forever to the Lord in final profession on March 18, 1961. In joy and gratitude she celebrated her golden jubilee in Alton in August 2006.

After her first profession, Sister M. Henrietta worked in the laundry of Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Alton until February 1972. She then offered to be one of two sisters beginning the mission in Cruzeiro do Sul, Brazil. From 1972 until 1980 she worked in the kitchen of the Regional House St. Francis. She spent one year in the kitchen and laundry of St. Rafael Convent in Ipixuna, Brazil, and then returned to Cruzeiro do Sul, where from 1981 until 1995 she worked in housekeeping and laundry at St. Francis Convent, Good Shepherd Convent, and the diocesan seminary.

In 1995, Sister M. Henrietta returned to Alton, where she became an adoration sister and also helped in the sister’s infirmary. Because of weakening health she was admitted to the infirmary in March of 2014, still taking adoration hours until a month before her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by two nephews, both in Lingen, Germany.

A funeral Mass was celebrated June 20 with Father Steven Sotiroff as celebrant. Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery in Alton.

Memorials may be made to Missions in Brazil, c/o Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, P.O. Box 9020, Alton, IL 62002-9020.

Staten-Fine Funeral Home in Alton was in charge of arrangements.