Erna Mae (Class) Schriefer, age 86, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, in Katy.

Erna Mae was born on February 8, 1939, in Eagle Lake, Texas, to Otto John Class and Lena (Menke) Class. Upon her marriage to Harold Otto Schriefer, she became a proud United States Navy wife. Within days of their marriage, she left her humble life in Alleyton, Texas, and spent the United States. During this time, they were blessed with four children, whom she devoted her life to raising with love, strength, and sacrifice.

Erna Mae was a dedicated, loving wife and mother, but her care extended far beyond her own household. Having been raised with nine siblings, she naturally became a blessing to many young military wives, teaching them how to cook, sew, and care for their families. Her servant’s heart continued throughout her life through years of teaching, volunteering, and service with the ERNA MAE (CLASS) SCHRIEFER 1939- 2025

VFW, including several terms where she and Harold served together while he held the role of Post Commander of the local chapter.

In her professional life, Erna Mae was known for her exceptional attention to detail in her career as a component quality inspector within the electrical manufacturing industry, where her work became some of the most sought-after components in her region. No matter her role, she approached everything with pride, diligence, and integrity.

Most of all, Erna Mae’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She treasured her regular phone calls with siblings, children, and grandchildren—checking in, sharing stories, laughter, and love. Her award-winning pecan pie and upside-down German chocolate cake were legendary, lovingly shared at family gatherings and special occasions. She instilled in her family the belief that family should always take care of one another.

listening to her police scanner and then sharing updates with friends, and perhaps most famously guarding her antique glass cookie jar with the red metal lid, which no grandchild ever learned to open quietly enough.

Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve, the family gathered in her living room. As the family grew, the room seemed to shrink, but no matter how crowded it became, everyone fit. Those gatherings remain some of the most cherished memories her family carries forward.

Albina was strong-willed, independent, and steady. She put others before herself and lived her faith through action rather than words. She cherished being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her legacy is carried on in each generation she nurtured.

She is survived by her children: Marie Page, Bea Waltrip and husband Wade, Donnie Mitchell, and Debbie Novosad and husband Jeff; her grandchildren: Jennifer Matura, Travis Novosad, Allen Page, Alyssa Odneal, Megan Waltrip, Sarah Chaney, and Hannah Waltrip; and her great-grandchildren: Alexis Novosad, Gage Woodruff, Jacob Novosad, Lucy Novosad, Emma Odneal, Ella Odneal, Liam Matura, Adalee Chaney, and Micah Chaney. She is also survived by her siblings David Laskoskie and Barbara Ann McCain. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Stella Laskoskie and Raymond Laskoskie.

On Christmas Day, as family gathered by her bedside, Albina waited until everyone she loved had arrived before quietly taking her final breath. She went home on Christmas, surrounded by the same love she gave so freely throughout her life.

Visitation will be held at Knesek Funeral Home in Sealy, on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sealy on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass at 12 p.m. Graveside services will follow at the Catholic Cemetery in Sealy, with a reception afterward at the Sealy Columbus Hall.