Emily Pulos Preibisch passed away at Colonial Living and Rehabilitation Nursing Home in Sealy, Texas on July 29, 2022, at the age of 104. Emily was born on November 26, 1917, in Brockton, MA to Alex and Josephine (Silva) Pulos. She graduated from Carny Hospital School of Nursing in Boston, MA in 1940. Upon graduation, Emily was hired to supervise a surgical floor at the same hospital. After one year, she was hired as Operation Nurse for Cory Hill Hospital with Lahey Clinic surgeons.

In 1942, when her only sibling, Arthur Pulos, was drafted into the U. S. Army, Emily enlisted as an Ensign in the Navy Nurse Corp. Her concern was that there would not be enough nurses to treat the wounded. She was first stationed at Chelsea Naval Hospital in Boston, MA. The hospital received wounded military personnel brought in by ship.

In 1943 she was transferred to Norfolk Naval Training Station in Norfolk, VA. It was at the Norfolk Training Station that she met her future husband, Melvin Preibisch, a Chief Specialist in charge of training new recruits.

Melvin and Emily were married on September 30, 1944. Navy rules did not allow Navy nurses to serve after they were married. Emily resigned from the Navy with some regret and in 1945, she and Melvin moved to her husband’s hometown, Sealy, TX. The unlighted dirt streets were a stark contrast to the bustling life of Boston. Along with many other war brides at the time, she wondered what exactly she had gotten herself into. However, the first week in Sealy, Emily was hired to take charge of a 13-bed hospital run by Dr. W. Hover and Dr. V.
Gordon. She resigned after one year due to pregnancy.

On November 11, 1946,daughter Martha Marie was born. Martha Marie passed away four months later, on March 13, 1947, due to spina
bifida. Two years later, daughter Donna was born. During the next 18 years Emily was the best stay-at-home mom for her husband and Donna. Emily kept an immaculate home, and a weekday noon meal was prepared for Melvin and Donna. Melvin came home from the family furniture store and Donna walked home across a vacant lot from the Catholic school.

Emily was always willing to help the nuns that were assigned to Sealy’s Catholi church and school. She was a member of the PTA and as Health Chairman coordinated the Catholic school’s health days. When Donna entered Sealy public school in the 8th grade, Emily became a chauffeur for band and basketball extracurricular activities. You could always count on Emily being at the bus stop at night after band and basketball road trips. The Main Street home always welcomed Donna’s friends.

In 1968 Emily returned to work as a Director of Nurses at Azalea Manor Nursing Home in Sealy. Azalea Manor was a 35-bed facility that had increased to 95 beds when she retired in 1985. After retiring from Azalea Manor, Emily focused on Preibisch Furniture Store located on Fowlkes St. in Sealy. She eventually closed the store due to Melvin’s death in 1980.

Emily was a proud member of The American Legion Post 442. She loved her country and the American Flag. Emily is a Charter Member of
the Women’s Memorial Foundation. The Women’s Memorial is the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery. She is also a long-time member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sealy.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents Alex and Josephine; first daughter Martha Marie; husband Melvin; brother Arthur and his wife Barbara; nieces Barbara Pulos and Karen Clifford.

Emily is survived by daughter Donna Preibisch and her special person and partner Keith Oliver; nephews Mark Pulos (Melanie), Stephen
Pulos (Penny), Ron Pulos; niece Doreen Lynch (Bob) and Paul Clifford. She is also survived by several great nieces and nephews.

Emily was thankful for many things:

“God blessed me with a beautiful and precious daughter”

“God gave me a good husband“

“Thankful for my warm and comfortable home”

“Thankful that God has blessed me with a healthy body and good mind”

“Faith in God and in His good work”

“My belief that God will guide and protect us always”

“Thankful for my friends and neighbors “

“Thankful I can laugh and enjoy a good joke”

“Thankful for my long and interesting life”

A Memorial Mass will be held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sealy on August 13, 2022. Visitation will be from 9:30 am- 10:30 am. Mass is scheduled at 10: 30 am. Interment of ashes will follow at the Sealy Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to: The American Legion Post 442 P.O. Box 442 Sealy, Texas 77474 or The American Legion Auxiliary P.O. Box 2 Sealy, Texas 77474 or to a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Knesek Bros. Funeral Chapel, Sealy, Texas www.knesekfuneralhome.com